Jerks for Jesus

Learning theology and the deep things of God and proclaiming them is INCREDIBLY important! But it’s important to also understand that not everybody is in the same place on the path. Even more patience and grace are required in those who consider themselves more mature in their faith, because the more you progress, the more you’ll notice wrong theology and behavior in others. And it’s important not to just let the chips fall where they may! It’s a Christian’s duty to be able to see and correct error.

The tension is to be able to say things in love (if they truly do need to be said)- maintaining respect and that person’s dignity at all times. Otherwise, the “old man” creeps out and we become annoyed and angry at what we see. That’s when we can become biting, snarky, rude, or even just use our maturity and understanding as a means to look down on others - which, the Bible SO clearly forbids. 1 Corinthians 13 (the famous love chapter read at weddings) is actually a harsh rebuke to the Corinthian church about this very thing.

There was a Twitter storm a while back about a Christian’s “tone” when speaking truth. Many were calling out those who said we should be winsome in our delivery as the “tone police.” The black and white oversimplification was that those who thought being winsome was important were the ones purposefully watering down truth in order to not hurt people’s feelings, while those who said it like it is were the truth tellers.

Just like with any issue, I think the actual truth is much more neuanced than that.

In studying theology, if we are not softened, humbled, changed, and brought into a greater awareness about the gospel and what all is even going on here - we may just be filling our heads with things that allow us to morally posture up on others. We should know and love the truth, say it boldly, but always in kindness, respect, and consideration for the other people made in His image. Not everybody will like it, and there is no way to make everybody happy - but tone and how you treat others IS incredibly important.

In other words, if studying theology makes you a jerk, you’re doing it wrong.

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“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil” - 2 Timothy 2:24