It is not our goal as believer to avoid nasty people to spare our own feelings. We avoid them because God told us to do so.
One cannot influence those who are contemptuous toward us and toward God. Even those who say they love God but treat others badly, are not to be our constant companions.
1 Corinthians 15: 33 "Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
When we keep company on a regular basis with those who are rude eventually we take up their ways without even realizing it.
I remember a case in which someone I knew was companions with a crude person. The person who claimed to be a Christian began talking in crude ways because they were so used to their companion's way of expressing themselves. This also happens when people watch many things on TV or movies. They are unaware that they have taken on the personality of those they spend a lot of time with.
We cannot change the heart of a sinful person by acting as though we don't notice their mean actions or verbiage. God makes it clear in His word that we validate the wicked person by refusing to withdraw from them.
Isiah 26:10 "10 Though grace is shown to the wicked man, he does not learn righteousness. In the land of righteousness he acts unjustly and fails to see the majesty of the LORD. "
When we have made it clear that we follow Christ and they have rejected our choice, then it is time to move on and allow God to use someone else to influence them.
When the wicked person feels free to abuse us regularly without apology, then we know we have no influence with them anyway. Christ never remained friends with those who mocked and abused Him. He moved on to those who would listen and appreciate.
When we cannot let go of a the companionship of a wicked person we have elevated them above God. Our dependence on their companionship leaves us weak and vulnerable to their manipulations and intimidation. Even causing us to dishonor God by remaining silent to keep from starting fights. There is no value in a relationship in which someone must remain silent to appease those who love to fight.
"Two cannot walk together who are not agreed." God said this! Amos.
Ecclesiastes 4:11-12 "…11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
When we make our primary and constant companions those who love Christ we will grow stronger. God meant for us to have fellowship and agreement with those who are our constant companions. We think we are strong until we have been challenged by a wicked person, then is when we find out they are the ones controlling our conversation and perhaps even our life choices.
We, our companions and God should be our strong three strand cord. God is at the center of all goings on in these kind of relationships. However, when God is not at the center and someone is attempting to divert us from Christ then Satan is at the center of that relationship.
1 Peter 5:8
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
James 4:7
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
When we become bold in our living out of the life with Christ, it will chase off those who want to deter us from our walk. When they have been chased away by our "fervor" for Christ, then they will begin the smear tactics, the same ones that were used on Christ. Lies against us as well as attempts to sabotage whatever Christ is doing in us.
One of the ways they will sabotage is to make up lies about our life to make it appear as though we have not changed. They will gossip to cause others to see us the way they want them to see us. All of this does not have to cause any frustration in us. We can move on, steadily growing as God works in spite of them. God really does have our good in mind, even through these attacks. The calmer we are, the more trusting of God's purpose and protection, the more they will come against us.
They did all this to Christ and the apostles, it did not change the mission, nor did it destroy it. God is still in control all the time. His purposes in our encounters are to educate us while making us stronger.
Proverbs 29:25-26 "25 The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD will be set securely on high. 26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD."
Last and very important thought: Never fear man, obey God and there will be great blessing, even if only to know that we honored and pleased God, our conscience before God is clear and powerful.
1 Peter 3:16-22
"16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.
17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; "
Hallelujah!!!!
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