As Christian ministers, we are called to be examples of Christ’s love and grace to the world. However, all too often we see ministers attacking their fellow ministers on various platforms, including social media, sermons, and even in person. This is not only unbecoming of a minister, but it also hinders the gospel and goes against the teachings of the Bible.
First, let us examine the platforms on which these attacks often take place. Social media has become a breeding ground for negativity and division, and unfortunately, many ministers are not immune to this trend. It is easy to hide behind a screen and lash out at others, but as ministers, we are called to a higher standard. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Sermons and public speeches are another platform on which ministers may attack their fellow servants of God. This is particularly damaging, as it can lead to division and strife within the body of Christ. Romans 14:4 warns us, “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.”
So why should we, as ministers, refrain from attacking our fellow servants of God? For one, it goes against the teachings of the Bible. In Matthew 7:1-2, Jesus says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Furthermore, attacking our fellow ministers hinders the gospel. When we engage in petty squabbles and divisions, we distract from the message of salvation that we are called to share. Instead of focusing on the love and grace of God, we become embroiled in petty disputes and arguments. Galatians 5:15 says, “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
Additionally, attacking our fellow ministers can cause harm to the body of Christ. When we publicly criticize and condemn other ministers, we create divisions within the church and damage the unity that we are called to uphold. Romans 12:16 implores us to “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
It is important to remember that we are not the ultimate judges of our fellow ministers. Only God can truly know the intentions and motivations of our hearts. Therefore, we should be careful not to judge another man’s servant. Romans 14:12 says, “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”
As ministers of the Gospel, we are called to a higher standard of behavior. We are to be examples of Christ’s love and grace to those around us. Unfortunately, all too often we see ministers attacking their fellow ministers, both in word and in deed. This is not only unbecoming of a minister, but it is also contrary to the teachings of Scripture.
In Galatians 5:15, the Apostle Paul writes, But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. This verse is a clear warning against attacking our fellow believers, including our fellow ministers. When we engage in negative and destructive behavior towards one another, we are not only harming our own witness, but we are also hindering the work of the Gospel.
In Ephesians 4:29-32, Paul gives further instruction on how we are to treat one another. He writes, Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
These verses make it clear that as ministers, we are to speak words that build up, not tear down. We are to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving towards one another. And we are to avoid bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, and malice. These are not the fruits of the Spirit, but the works of the flesh.
As ministers, we must also remember that we are all on the same team. We are all working towards the same goal of spreading the Gospel and making disciples. When we attack our fellow ministers, we are not only acting in a manner unbecoming of a minister, but we are also hindering the work of the Gospel.
In Philippians 1:27, Paul writes, Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. As ministers, we are to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel at all times, including in our interactions with our fellow ministers.
As ministers, we must stop attacking our fellow ministers. Instead, we are to speak words that build up, be kind, compassionate, and forgiving towards one another. We must remember that we are all on the same team, working towards the same goal. And we must conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel at all times. Let us strive to live out these teachings in our own lives and encourage our fellow ministers to do the same. As it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
In conclusion, as ministers, we are called to a higher standard. We should refrain from attacking our fellow servants of God on any platform, including social media, sermons, and in person. Instead, we should focus on building each other up and sharing the message of salvation with the world. By doing so, we can be examples of Christ’s love and grace, and bring unity and harmony to the body of Christ.
Yours In His Service
C. C. RAYMOND
