"I Don't Care What Anyone Says!"

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Dear Christians,

Please stop using the expression “I don't care what anyone says.” I'm embarrassed to say I hear this expression from the mouths of Christians frequently. To clarify: Christians are recipients of undeserved forgiveness.  We've been charged by God to:

Obey those in authority (Hebrews 13:17)

Be all things to all people (1 Corinthians 9:22)

Only evangelize with dignity and respect (1 Peter 3:15)

Love their enemies no matter what (Matthew 5:43-44)

Live at peace with everyone as far as is possible (Romans 12:18)

There are things which Christians should not compromise on in any situation, but not compromising is not the same as not listening. It is one thing to disagree with a person. That can be done respectfully and lovingly. It is another thing to not care what they say. That kind of apathy is hurtful if not hateful, and does nothing to win them over. If someone disagrees with you they are going to go right on disagreeing if you won't be civil. Without listening to your “enemy” you don't earn the right to be listened to.

When I was younger I was passionate about evangelism. Sadly I was also an ass. I shared my understanding of God's goodness and love at the slightest provocation, but I'm afraid that I was a pathetic ambassador of the gospel. I was pathetic because I didn't care what anyone thought. I thought this attitude was brave; it is not. It is unloving. I would ask people about their religious beliefs and then proceed to wait for my turn to speak. I didn't listen to them because I didn't care what they said. This was an incredibly disrespectful practice.

Listening is one of the most basic and essential ways to show a person love. By failing to listen I failed to share out the gospel I was so excited to talk about. I didn't win any hearts because I didn't demonstrate God's love. When we aren't listening we aren't loving.

Sharing Music, Roman Style by Ed Yourdon

We talk often in Christian gatherings about a need to love our neighbors, to act generously, and to be ambassadors for Christ. We rarely discuss the vital and loving act of listening to people we disagree with. Let's change that. Listening is a loving and generous action; it shows God's love practically and powerfully. Let's give it a try.

Who do you find hardest to love? Likely they're the person who is hardest to listen to. Try this new tactic this week.

1. Don't try to love them.
2. Meditate on the great patience and love God has shown you.
3. Look at what you have in common with your challenging friend.
4. Let me know what happens.

Fifteen Verses That Combat Cynicism

Jesus came that we might have life and have it to the full (John 10:10).  Nothing in the world can compare with the satisfaction found in a fulfilled Christian life.  Regrettably cynicism and sarcasm can creep into our lives; however, as Christians we have unique power to resist this trend.  With the Holy Spirit within us, and plentiful reasons to rejoice we can change the world. Jesus Christ didn't die on the cross so that we could wag our heads and complain about what's wrong with the world. He came to redeem the world, and the world is being redeemed. If you've slipped into cynicism here are fifteen Bible verses that combat negativity. Follow the links to examine the context of these verses, or try meditating on one of them using Lectio Divina. May you find courage and empowerment.

Photo By Suzan Black

Fifteen Verses That Combat Cynicism

 

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

John 19:30

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:14

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

1 Peter 3:9

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31-32

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!

Psalm 27:13

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

1 John 4:4

He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.

Acts 10:28

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

Hebrews 13:6

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27