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QUESTION:
Many say that it is not good to tell a man who hates and does not listen to the Word of God and is troubled when he sees the truth that he has the devil in him, because you are not God or Jesus. They think you’re too young to tell the truth and scold. How is it right to deal with a person who rebels against God’s Word?
When you tell a person that he has the devil in him, don’t expect to have a good relationship with him, you have to be very careful and wise in how you speak. If you talk to the man in this way, you provoke him to be upset and angry, and do not be surprised if he does not want to hear the gospel from you. He might be upset and even insult you, because it’s not normal to tell a man that he has the devil in him; even when it’s true, you can’t talk like that.
The first text I want to analyze is the First Epistle of Peter chapter 2:12:
Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God on the day of visitation.(1 Peter 2:12 NASB)
It is very important to behave well and whenever we have the opportunity to do good. God teaches us that we must be zealous for good deeds and be the first to do good deeds, so we must be well-behaved in all respects. Even if some speak ill of us, we must do good, because in this way we shut their mouths so that they can no longer accuse us of things that are not true.
Also in 1 Peter 3:14-16 it says:
But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be in dread, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.(1 Peter 3:14-16 NASB)
So, if someone has been found who has offended you, he speaks badly to you, do not let yourself be controlled by fear, so that you never speak from the Word of God again. You may have someone who is offensive at work, and when you try to tell him or others the gospel, he comes up with insults, unforgivable words, but never let yourself be intimidated by them. It is written here, in the verse not to be disturbed, because you know that you have a message to speak and that is why he was not afraid of such people and did not let himself be disturbed by them. Always be ready to give an account of the hope that is in you. When a situation or discussion arises, intervene to speak from God’s Word. Always have a clear mind, without looking for an argument.
The following text is from Romans 12:
Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people.If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.“But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. ”Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.( Romans 12:17-21 NASB)
If someone has offended you, speaks ill of you, gossips about you preaching the gospel, be careful, look for the right opportunity to talk to people about the Lord Jesus Christ. Never be intimidated. When they are in a difficult situation, be ready to help, because by doing them good, you heap burning coals on his head. This expression “heap burning coals on his head.” is an Arabic expression that means to make someone blush for the deeds he has committed.
Another piece of advice I want to give is from the book of Proverbs 26:
Do not answer a fool according to his foolishness,Or you will also be like him. Answer a fool as his foolishness deserves,So that he will not be wise in his own eyes.(Proverbs 26:4-5 NASB)
I heard a case about a missionary who happened to be at a table where there were believers and unbelievers and he began to talk about the Lord Jesus Christ. Then came a woman who wanted to intimidate him, she being in a short dress, she asked the missionary if this did not intimidate him. Then he replied that he did not mind, because he had been a missionary for many years in the wild tribes. He answered according to the situation, as it is written in the Bible, he answered the fool after his foolishness, so that she would not think herself wise.
I also urge you to study the inductive Bible study course “How Do You Walk the Walk You Talk” from which you will be able to learn how to walk worthy of God’s call to you. To purchase the manual, call (+373) 67629102.
Translated by Ina Croitoru