I want everyone I know to come to know Jesus. I tend to see everyone I meet with this in mind. But there are some people who treat Christianity, Christians, and the gospel with contempt and ridicule.

Jesus said, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs nor cast your pearls before swine lest they trample them under your feet and tear you to pieces.” (Matt 7:6)

And we have to be wise in dealing with such.

I feel like I need to be clear here, that I’m not suggesting what I’m about to say should be applied to a spouse, that is treated differently in scripture.

I’m talking specifically about other people we encounter who desire to trample truth and ridicule Christ. (Your spouse may do this, but 1 Corinthians 7:12-16 gives instruction for that. )

I’ve encountered those who love to ridicule Christ and trample truth most on social media. They comment and message me awful things they’d likely never say to my face.

Jesus warns us later, in the book of Matthew, to expect to be treated poorly because of our faith. He says, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.” (Matt 10:16-18)

So, we need to expect ridicule, and persecution, and perhaps even prosecution, the way our world is headed, BECAUSE of our faith.

But we have to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” as we deal with it— BECAUSE of our faith …and that’s how we actually strengthen our testimony and the gospel spreads.

So, how on earth do we do that?

First, we study the Word so we can follow the Lord carefully. We stay prayed up so we can cast our cares on the Lord and listen for His guidance. We respond in kindness —no matter what. We don’t repay evil for evil (1 Peter 3:9)

And sometimes, we are to “shake the dust from our shoes” (Matt 10:14) and move on from a situation where we’ve encountered those who are “dogs” bent on ridiculing the gospel and maligning the Name of Christ.

It’s okay to move on from these. Its okay to not continue to be around these people. It’s okay to block them on social media.

Yes, we care about these lost souls. Let’s keep praying for lost souls; but sometimes, we need to understand, the wisest thing may be to walk away from those who ridicule. It’s okay to block or unfriend these types on social media.

Let’s be wise as serpents (who always have someone trying to trample them) but innocent as doves.

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