“Too many of us Christians, and I put myself in this category, are a little bit too interested in being liked or being respected. We have to be careful about that, because this message that we proclaim about Jesus; it will offend.”
Professor Mark Muska from the University of Northwestern discusses the importance of proclaiming the gospel with gentleness and humility.
Jesus suffered heavy persecution throughout his lifetime for proclaiming the truth in an opposing world. Professor Muska points us towards John 15:18,
“Jesus said if the world hates me it’s going to hate you. If the world persecutes me it’s going to persecute you.”
We need to be discerning while sharing the gospel, and be careful to not pass judgment on others. Professor Muska elaborates on this important truth,
“There’s not a great deal of difference in the meaning between judgment and discernment and at times we do need to discern.”
“We have to be humble and self-aware enough to realize that it’s not our job to judge. We don’t judge anyone; God is the judge, He’ll do that just fine, He doesn’t need any assistant Holy Spirit’s running around judging people.”
We need to approach people with gentleness and humility, rather than judgment or condemnation. Professor Muska shares encouragement from Paul in Galatians 6:1,
“He says even if anyone is caught in any trespass, those of you who walk in the spirit, restore such a one.’ Then he says in a spirit of gentleness, ‘looking to yourselves, lest you to be tempted.”
Professor Muska shares helpful advice on reaching out to our wayward brothers and sisters in Christ.
“The most loving thing you can do for someone who is wandering from Christ, is to talk with them with gentleness and humility to bring them back…that’s what true love is.
“It’s one of those tough times when someone cares about you enough to tell you what you need to hear, yet you do it the best you can with gentleness and humility.”
