tommestevenson@gmail.com, Author at Tomme Stevenson

May 13, 2025March 26, 2025

Blessed are the Persecuted

Matthew 5:10, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

I’ve always thought the caveat to this is the statement “because of their righteousness.” If we go around with a holier-than-thou attitude, we probably deserve to be slapped around. I know a good number of Christians who want to start a holy war to feel persecuted. I don’t mean a literal war, but a skirmish with non-believers, a little dust-up. Then, they can proudly proclaim that they are defending the faith.

Witness Complex

Charles Spurgeon said: “There seems to be no need to defend a lion. All one has to do is to let it loose, and the lion will defend itself.” (“Christ and His Co-Workers,” March 7, 1886)

Acts 1:8, where Jesus tells His followers, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses…”

You will be my witnesses; that is an important differentiator. We are to live blameless lives that reflect the compassion and love of Christ. Earlier, I said that the Beatitudes were not a collection of people but different aspects of the same person. We are to be poor in spirit, mourning the status of the human condition, humble, hungry for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, and a peacemaker. If, in doing all of these things, we are persecuted, then we can legitimately say it is holy persecution, not just the natural outcome of pious behavior.

Why is our witness or testimony so compelling? First, many people claim to know the scripture, even when they don’t. Only a fool argues with a fool. But our testimony is unique to us. No one is an expert on Christ’s actions in our lives but ourselves. No one can debate or cast doubt on what we have experienced. We are the ultimate source of who we are, what we have done and seen, and what God has done for and through us. They can debate scripture, but they cannot question the story of our lives.

C.S. Lewis once said, “I do not want to reduce the riches of our experience to a few propositions, nor do I want to substitute theology for God Himself.” (Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer)

Persecution Complex

I was on a mission trip to a Muslim country a few years ago. One of the new participants had brought a few Bibles and Christian Literature with him to distribute in the market. He knew it was illegal. His stated goal was to be persecuted by the local Muslims. We tried to explain to him that if he did this, not only would he be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, but the government would close the Christian schools and the University because of him. He didn’t care. He assailed us for being cowards by not standing up for the Gospel in the market.

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) – “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

We did convince him to at least think of his wife and child, even if he could not think of the local Christians who would be subjected to persecution for his sake, not Christ’s. That was an extreme case of shortsightedness, but it brought the point home to me.

We are to be living testimony to the goodness of Christ, even to the point of persecution. We confront and confuse evil through kindness, compassion, and love, not passive-aggressive arguments.

Revelation 12:11 – “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”

May 6, 2025March 23, 2025

Blessed are the Peacemakers

Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

When I initially thought of peacemaking, I thought of conflict resolution. It seemed to involve people who go out of their way to help others restore harmony in their relationships. I thought of Gandhi, for example. But the more I study the Beatitudes, the more I am starting to understand that these are not each a distinct type of person or a distinct stage of life but a continuum of how we are expected to live. We should display the characteristics each Beatitude highlights daily and in everything we undertake.

Because of our past transgressions, we should exhibit a posture of poverty in Spirit. Mourning for the world’s condition and showing humility in our creation should be part of who we are—being dissatisfied with the world’s level of compassion and mercy, especially for the underserved. All of this should be constantly in our prayers. Peacemaking is not different.

“As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself… Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility.” –Nelson Mandela.

Peacemaking is Active, Not Passive

Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”

Peacemaking is the act of showing compassion and kindness in all that we do. It is curbing our speech, holding back criticism, and extending praise. Fundamentally, it is allowing God to speak through us. A Christian has the confidence and trust in Christ to let slights go unnoticed. There are times when non-believers will speak against our beliefs out of ignorance. Understanding that challenging and creating hard feelings is not the way to conversion.

Jesus is referring to those who intentionally work to resolve disputes, heal relationships, and create an environment of peace. This often requires humility, wisdom, and self-sacrifice. It takes a person who exhibits all of the characteristics embodied in the Beatitudes.

A Reflection of God’s Nature

2 Corinthians 5:18, “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.”

Peacemakers are “called children of God” because they reflect God’s character. Throughout Scripture, God is the reconciler—restoring humanity to Himself through Christ. When we pursue peace, we align ourselves with His divine mission. In biblical terms, peace (Hebrew: shalom) means wholeness, completeness, and right relationships—with God, others, and even within oneself. Peacemakers don’t just stop fights; they work to establish justice, truth, and restoration. They live in a way that makes conflict highly improbable.

Peacemaking Can Be Costly:

“If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble.” – Thomas Watson.

True peace often comes at a price. Jesus Himself was the ultimate Peacemaker, but His work of reconciliation led to suffering and sacrifice on the cross. Christians who strive for peace may face resistance, misunderstandings, or personal loss.

Psalm 72:7, “In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!”

April 29, 2025March 23, 2025

Blessed Are the Pure in Heart

Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

What does it mean to be pure in heart? Can a man achieve purity on this side of Heaven? The Greek word for “pure” in Matthew 5:8 is katharos. It means to be “clean, blameless, unstained from guilt. The word can refer specifically to that which is purified by fire or by pruning. I believe this passage refers to having a singleness of heart toward God. Not that you are perfected in Christ, but you have a passion for what God has a passion for. Your spirits are aligned.

“The proof of spiritual maturity is not how pure you are but awareness of your impurity. That very awareness opens the door to grace.” – Philip Yancey, What’s So Amazing About Grace?

James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you”

Dystopian Purity

We live in a dystopia where worldly desire rules everything we see and touch. Society’s pull is constant and powerful. It is easy for us to accept that there is no life outside our worldly environment. We must conform to exist. To some extent, that is true. There are parts of the world we live in that we must conform to. But Christ showed us that we can exist in the world and still be holy.

Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him”

The aim of Jesus Christ is not to reform society but to change the hearts of sinners like you and me. Purity isn’t only about avoiding sin; it encompasses everything from maintaining purity in thoughts, motives, and emotions. Paul struggled greatly with this. He met Christ. He knew the importance of salvation and obedience, yet he struggled.

Romans 7:19: “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.”

Being Pure

Being pure in heart is not a destination. It is a process. It involves constantly being vigilant about the temptations around us. Technology has made temptation more accessible than ever. Social media, entertainment, and the internet constantly expose us to content that can erode purity. Being pure in heart can feel lonely or countercultural, especially when friends, colleagues, or even family members have different definitions of purity of heart.

“O Lord, keep our hearts, keep our eyes, keep our feet, and keep our tongues.” – William Tiptaft.

The human heart wrestles with pride, selfish desires, and weaknesses that can make it hard to consistently choose righteousness. What steps can we take to give ourselves a chance at heartfelt purity?

Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Stay Rooted in Faith: Regular prayer, scripture reading, and spiritual disciplines help guard the heart and mind.
Guard Your Inputs: Be intentional about what you watch, read, and listen to, filtering out negative influences.
Turn from Temptation: The best way to rid yourself of a bad habit is to replace it with a good habit. Every time temptation raises its ugly head, turn to a positive habit like reciting a scripture, starting to talk with God, or writing down your concerns. Occupy your mind with something useful.
Seek Accountability: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who encourage you to live righteously.
Embrace Grace: Perfection is impossible, but God’s grace provides strength and restoration when we fall short. Embracing grace is the foundation of faith.

Philippians 4:8, “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.”

April 22, 2025March 15, 2025

Blessed are the Merciful

Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

Mercy: “Compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.” We live in a dog-eat-dog world: competition and the desire to get ahead are hammering at us from all directions. We don’t always see someone else as someone we can harm, we see them as just another meat popsicle in a world of meat popsicles. Compassion and kindness is something you want, not something you give.

That sounds harsh, but it is how most people view life. Showing mercy should mean doing what is right, not what you have the right to do. It means not being constrained by legalism.

What is Mercy?

Mercy is being kind to the grump next door. It lets someone else have the last sandwich, cookie, or pie. Mercy shows grace to someone wrong but whose bias shields them from the truth. It is taking the time to listen when it is your turn to talk. Mercy is not overpowering someone with your force of will but using gentle persuasion. Mercy is remarkably patient and kind.

Matthew 9:13, “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Each of us is given a position of leadership. That could mean setting an example for siblings, raising children, heading a household, or holding a position of authority. From time to time, we are given the power to control others. How do we use that power? Do we use it as an opportunity to serve and be an example, or is our life so hectic and chaotic that we want the shortest path from point A to point B? Worse yet, have people controlled us with power, so we use our power as an opportunity to get back in control?

Matthew 6:14, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Being Merciful

Matthew 18:21-22, “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

“Justice is when you get what you deserve. Mercy is when you don’t get what you deserve. Grace is when you get what you don’t deserve.” — Anonymous.

Being merciful and being meek are interrelated. We talked about meekness and God’s desire for us to approach each interaction with a sense of humility. Humility is the foundation of mercy. Once we understand that we are saved through God’s mercy, through no effort of our own, then we can extend that same attitude toward others.

Psalm 40:11, “Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me.”

Can we expect compassion and kindness when we do not extend it to others? We, as Christians, are an extension of God’s kingdom here on earth. How can we expect to receive something ourselves if we do not give it to others? Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Mercy is not for them that sin and fear not, but for them that fear and sin not. – Thomas Watson, The Beatitudes

April 15, 2025March 10, 2025

Blessed are they who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.”

Many of us were raised in the church believing that if we follow the proper practices, associate with the right people, participate in Bible study, and attend church, we will gain God’s favor. While salvation is a gift, it comes with a cost. We are taught you cannot be passive and expect God to love you; some form of transaction must occur. Nothing in life is truly free, not even salvation.

The Wrong Hunger and Thirst

Deuteronomy 8:6, “Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him.”

We are led to believe every sin and every transgression is an indictment against our worth to God. Hungering and thirsting after righteousness isn’t about doing the right things but about aching on the inside for a worldwide revival. To hunger and thirst is to feel the vacuum left by worldly desires and want it filled with God’s love.

John 6:35, “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

If you don’t feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God. It is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great. – John Piper

Hunger and Thirsty for the Lost

One of my biggest daily challenges is seeing the injustice in the world and maintaining my sanity. I become emotionally hijacked every time I read the news. The number of people who deal with injustice and foundational needs is staggering, as is the world’s wealth. Why do we still have these problems? Why do certain people gravitate to a position of power just to use it to gain more power? When is enough, enough?

“The greatest disease in the West today is not tuberculosis or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but love is the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness. Many in the world are dying for a piece of bread, but there are many more dying for a little love.” – Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light.

Psalm 43:1,” Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked.”

Because I love God and want to please Him, I try to live according to His will. I will fail again and again, but I will keep on trying—not because it is a pathway to salvation, but because I want to please Him. My hunger and thirst are not about gaining His love but about spreading His love throughout the world.

Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Be Satisfied

I need to yearn for the salvation of others, To be desperate for the unsaved, and to lament the plight of the underserved and downtrodden. My prayers should be numerous. I pray for a world where God reigns with love, compassion, and grace. I pray that authorities and governments listen to God’s voice and respond appropriately. Let us pray for the impossible and rejoice in what God accomplishes.

John 4:13-14, “Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

April 8, 2025March 23, 2025

Blessed Are the Meek

Matthew 5:5 – “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

At first glance, this statement feels upside-down. How can being meek be a blessing? Doesn’t the world teach us to be strong, confident, and self-sufficient? Yet, Jesus points to something more profound that takes time to understand, let alone live out. It’s a transformative power that can inspire hope and a new perspective.

Proverbs 16:19: “It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.”

To Be Meek

To be meek is to recognize our insufficiency. It’s the awareness that, no matter how much we achieve, how smart we become, or how strong we appear, we are not enough on our own. It’s the humility to admit we need something greater than ourselves.

True humility isn’t about a single act or a carefully crafted appearance; it unfolds over time, woven into how a person consistently lives, interacts, and treats others. It’s not something you “put on” for effect; it’s something you become.

Psalm 25:9. “He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way.”

A humble person doesn’t need to prove superiority over others but remains open to learning, growth, and collaboration. They can accept criticism without being defensive and acknowledge their mistakes without losing confidence. Humility also involves treating others with respect, regardless of status or ability, and not letting ego drive decisions.

We had long known the Lord without realizing that meekness and lowliness of heart should be the distinguishing feature of the disciple. – Murray, Andrew. Humility: The Beauty of Holiness.

Humility

Humility isn’t about self-pity or weakness. It’s about clarity. Pride builds walls, but humility opens doors. When we let go of the illusion that we have it all figured out, we create space—for growth, wisdom, for God to work.

But the real reward is personal—seeing life clearly, having deeper relationships, and not being ruled by pride or insecurity. It’s a kind of freedom that liberates and empowers us.

James 4:6, “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

The world often mistakes humility for passivity, but genuine humility is anything but weak. It takes strength to admit we don’t have all the answers. It takes courage to live with open hands instead of clenched fists. And paradoxically, in this surrender, we find true freedom—freedom from the exhausting need to prove, control, or compete.

People won’t immediately recognize humility because it’s not loud or attention-seeking. But over time, it leaves an undeniable mark. How someone listens, handles success and failure, and treats people who can do nothing for them, these things accumulate and reveal a person’s character.

Galatians 5:23, “Gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

The Promise to the Meek

Jesus’s promise is just as radical as the statement: They will inherit the earth. When we stop chasing significance and start seeing life through the lens of dependence on God, we begin to experience the kingdom here and now.

Maybe being meek isn’t a disadvantage. Maybe it’s the key to peace.

What do you think? How do you see this playing out in your own life?

Colossians 3:12, “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

April 1, 2025March 23, 2025

Blessed are They Who Mourn

Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Matthew 5:4 powerfully reminds us that mourning is an inevitable part of the human experience in a broken world. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the burdens of a world full of challenges, or the pain of broken relationships and regrets, mourning is something we all face.

To Mourn

But this verse isn’t about being stuck in sorrow, it’s about the hope that follows. Grief and loss are real, but they don’t define the end of the story. They open the door to comfort, healing, and renewal. Even during pain, we are not abandoned. We are met with love, grace, and reassurance. The comfort we receive comes through our faith. Delivered through others, or the quiet peace that grows within us over time. We can trust that our pain is not meaningless, and that hope shines through, even in the darkest moments.

Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”

Mourning is not just about what’s been lost; it’s about what’s missing now. The emptiness left behind is sometimes the most challenging part. It’s not just the absence of a person or situation but also of something that once brought us joy or purpose. So, how do we fill that space?

The answer is believing that God’s presence will fill the void. Through Him we can turn to love—deepening relationships with those still with us. We can fill the emptiness by embracing a new purpose, turning pain into something meaningful through service, creativity, or personal growth. What matters is that we don’t numb the pain with distractions but allow something that truly nourishes the soul to fill the void.

Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Resilience

True resilience lies in finding God’s purpose, even in tragedy. Grief may cloud that purpose at first, but in time, we are faced with a choice: Will we allow loss to define us in despair, or will it transform us into something stronger, wiser, and more compassionate? God doesn’t remove the pain, but He gives it meaning. He uses suffering as a catalyst for growth, helping us understand life and love on a deeper level.

Never does a man know the force in him until some mighty affliction or grief has humanized the soul.- Frederick W. Robertson, The Sermons of Frederick W. Robertson.

There is always the temptation to fall into victimhood, to let pain define us as helpless or unworthy. But that path often leads to bitterness and isolation. Instead, God invites us to trust that He can use it for good even in the worst circumstances. This is where we can experience actual growth: amid hardship, we can choose to rise above it and be transformed by it.

Suffering is never without purpose. Even in our deepest pain, God is at work. The Bible speaks of how God turns ashes into beauty, works all things for good, and is always near to the brokenhearted. Mourning is not just an expression of loss—it’s an invitation to draw closer to God. In our weakest moments, we often feel His presence most profoundly. Grief creates a vacuum, but that space can be filled with God’s love, grace, and the hope of resurrection.

Beauty from Ashes

Isaiah 61:3, “To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

Tragedy is a choice: either a point of surrender or resistance. Choosing redemption means trusting that God can bring something good from even the worst circumstances. Choosing victimhood closes us off from that possibility. The invitation is always there.

“Even amid our worst times, God has not abandoned us. We may feel overwhelmed by our problems and sorrows — but God is never overwhelmed, nor do they take Him by surprise.” – Billy Graham.

Ultimately, to mourn is not the end. It’s the beginning of healing, transformation, and a deeper relationship with God. Beauty from ashes—this concept speaks directly to the heart of redemption. God can take what is broken, burned, or lost and bring something new, even more beautiful, from it. It doesn’t erase the pain but transforms it, giving it purpose.

Think of how fire refines gold or how a forest, after being ravaged by fire. It grows back more vibrant than before. Similarly, our deepest struggles and losses can lead to our most extraordinary growth. If we allow God to work through them. This is where true beauty can emerge—not just from what we gain, but from what we’ve endured and learned along the way.

Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

March 18, 2025March 10, 2025

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

At first glance, this may seem like an odd statement. Who would consider depression to be a blessing? But in the gospel context, being poor in spirit refers not to emotional poverty, but the recognition of our spiritual insufficiency. It’s about understanding that, without God, we are spiritually bankrupt, utterly incapable of saving ourselves from our sin. We should all consider ourselves poor in spirit for we have all sinned.

Acknowledging Our Sinful Nature

Romans 3:23: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

To be poor in spirit begins with the painful but necessary acknowledgment of our sinful nature. The Bible teaches that we all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. This means that, apart from God’s intervention, we are separated from Him and under the weight of sin. We may try to live righteous lives, but at the core, we are broken, our hearts are prone to selfishness, pride, and rebellion. We all have a desperate past of sin that we want to forget, but can’t.

“Our yesterdays present irreparable things to us; it is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future.”— Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

Recognizing this spiritual poverty is the first step to true humility. It’s when we come to terms with the reality that we have nothing to offer God in terms of righteousness, and that we cannot make ourselves right with Him on our own. This is a sobering realization, but it is also a liberating one.

Seeking God for Relief

Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Once we acknowledge our brokenness, we face the crucial question: How do we find relief from this self-incrimination? How do we stop beating ourselves up over past transgressions? The answer is simple yet profound—by seeking God. To be poor in spirit is to recognize our need and turn to the One who can provide what we cannot. It’s an invitation to humility, surrender, and a desire to be transformed by God’s grace.

In seeking God, we acknowledge that only He can heal our brokenness. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, cleansed, and made new. The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who recognize their need for a Savior. This is why Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Recognizing our sin and dependence on God opens the door to the richness of His grace and the abundant life He promises.

A Humble Posture Before God

Being poor in spirit also means taking on a humble posture before God, free of self-righteousness. It’s easy to look at others and think we are better or more deserving of God’s favor, but the reality is that we are all in need of His mercy. We are all beggars at the foot of the cross.

True humility comes from knowing we cannot stand on our merits. Our salvation is entirely God’s work, not our own. When we recognize this, we can experience the freedom and peace that come from trusting in Him fully.

Conclusion

Proverbs 18:14: “The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?”

The blessing of being poor in spirit positions us to receive the kingdom of heaven. It’s an invitation to let go of self-incrimination and embrace God’s grace. By acknowledging our sinful nature and seeking God’s relief, we are drawn closer to Him. As we walk in humility and surrender, we find that God, in His mercy, is ready to forgive and transform us, making us new creations in Christ. This is the true blessing of being poor in spirit—recognizing our need and finding our fullness in God alone, erasing the past and looking toward the future.

March 15, 2025March 15, 2025

The Grand Story

What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?

Every setback and every negative encounter can be seen as an opportunity to let the waves of life wash you out to sea or the genesis of a great story of overcoming. We make that choice, it is not made for us.

March 11, 2025February 28, 2025

An Opinion is only a State of Mind.

Christians making Christians An opinion is only a state of mind; it does not predict the future. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines opinion as “a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter.” We too often give too much credence to someone’s opinion, including our own. Many of the disagreements I hear are formed when opinions differ.

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” — Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning.

Christian Opinion

As a Christian, I think it is time to walk back our opinions. We often take too strong a stand on our emotional state about a subject. The genesis of our opinions is not our knowledge of the future, but environmental elements of our past. We form opinions because of past experiences, cultural, or social influences, media information, peer pressure, group dynamics, personal and emotional bias, education, and personal interest. There are probably many other reasons, but none of these reasons is knowledge of the future.

Colossians 4:6 – “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

Having a strong opinion about a matter does nothing to make a difference. Making a difference comes from active involvement in relieving the condition you oppose or improving a condition in which you feel a deficit. Telling everyone you meet your opinion only stirs up controversy. Controversy gives birth to anxiety, which fosters conflict.

2 Timothy 2:23-24 – “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil.”

Influencers

We live in a dysfunctional world full of misinformation and half-truths. Millions of people write online articles to create conflict by influencing public opinion. They do this out of greed, not as a public service. The more diversion they can create, the more site traffic they create, the more advertising income they receive. These are not people interested in improving the world. Their goal is to create income with passionate speeches and convoluted logic.

Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

“Tolerance isn’t about not having beliefs. It’s about how your beliefs lead you to treat people who disagree with you.” – Tim Keller, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (2008)

There are legitimate influencers with a true passion for their cause. Some of their causes are misguided and based on sketchy logic, but they are heartfelt. Some influencers take great pains to find the truth and communicate it with an objective view, but it is rare. We are all influenced by the abovementioned reasons; no one is above unconscious influence.

Our Position

Proverbs 18:2 – “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.”

“One of the great uses of Twitter and Facebook will be to prove at the Last Day that prayerlessness was not from lack of time.”- John Piper, A Godward Life: Savoring the Supremacy of God in All of Life (1997)

Our position as Christians is to rise above the ordinary. We can’t stop having opinions—God-given emotions overflow into opinions—but we can watch how we communicate them; consciously acknowledging that they are emotions, not facts. Changing the future by arguing a position is counterintuitive. We change the future by doing, not talking.

James 1:19 – “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”