Defending The Faith Does Not Require Defensiveness

Years ago, I was an active participant in two online apologetics forums. My purpose for joining these groups was to help provide biblically sound answers to others’ sincere questions while counteracting false doctrines presented by heretics.

It was not uncommon for me to be challenged by false teachers lurking on a particular thread after responding to a question. Many of their comments to me were hostile and argumentative and included name-calling. My “favorite one” was being dubbed a heretic by those who opposed essential Christian doctrine.

I tried my best to help them understand their error and deception, providing Scriptures that opposed their position. However, over time, their spiritual blindness and rejection of the truth got the best of me, which showed in my written tone.

One day, while answering someone else’s question on salvation, I encountered a gentleman who vehemently opposed salvation as a gift of God’s grace through faith alone. He insisted that additional elements were necessary before salvation was granted and shared that information on the thread.

After responding to his answer, we began a side conversation that lasted several months. However, this doctrinal discussion was vastly different than many I had previously experienced. He remained utterly respectful and pleasant during the entire conversation though we strongly opposed each other’s beliefs.

Although we eventually agreed to disagree and ended the conversation when neither of us budged on our position, I learned an incredibly invaluable lesson in the face of opposition. I realized that remaining polite and respectful to others not only glorifies Jesus but keeps others engaged longer, providing additional opportunities for them to hear the truth—even if they ultimately reject it.

Remember, defending the truth does not mean we must be defensive or hit people over the head with it. The Holy Spirit will use what we share to convict and convince others of the truth. Our job is to glorify Jesus as we present it.