Fighting Like a Christian
When is it acceptable to stop acting like a Christian and start acting like the world? The question sounds absurd until you notice how often those in the church revert to worldly weapons rather than the principles of Christian love and a desire to honor God—not only in the ends to be achieved, but also in the means used to achieve them.
The Bible is clear that the ends do not justify the means. Paul addresses this in Romans 3:8: “And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.” Likewise, he writes in Ephesians 4:25, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” James also warns us about the destructive power of the tongue. Each of us must guard ourselves, ensuring that we are righteous not only in our goals but also in the methods we employ. The church, too, must lovingly address those who persist in disregarding God’s commands and the warnings of Scripture.
Today, South Carolina holds its primary elections before the general election in November. It has been a nasty season marked by bitter attacks, misinformation, and outright falsehoods spread across the internet, delivered to our mailboxes, and texted to our phones. As Christians, it is discouraging to see those who claim the name of Christ stoop to the level of the world while seeking public office. Intentionally misleading voters about an opponent is inconsistent with Christian ethics. A love for truth and a commitment to protecting our neighbor’s good name should characterize us, even in the political arena.
We see the same temptation in personal relationships. When one person hurts or offends another, the offended person often feels justified in responding in kind. Yet Christians are called to extend grace and love to those who wrong them. We turn the other cheek in response to personal slights, and we pursue loving confrontation and discipline in more serious matters (Matthew 18:15–17). We respond to hurt with love rather than seeking to inflict pain in return. Christ Himself is our example: “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return” (1 Peter 2:23).
Perhaps the saddest example is found within the church. Here, in the place where men and women profess their love for God and His Word, we sometimes fail to practice what Scripture plainly commands. We boldly affirm the infallible and inerrant Word of God, yet tolerate slander and gossip when they appear useful in pursuing what we believe to be a righteous cause. Whenever disagreements in the church are handled with the same tactics used by the world, something has gone terribly wrong.
Jesus teaches that the means are as important as the ends. They must be marked by love for God and love for neighbor. They must be characterized by truth. They should promote genuine peace. Biblically speaking, peace is more than the absence of conflict; it is wholeness. Such peace arises from a love that seeks the good of others, gives the benefit of the doubt, refuses to entertain unsupported accusations, and diligently seeks the truth before rendering judgment. It speaks and acts in love. It speaks only after the facts have been established. It is quick to repent when it fails. Fighting with the weapons of love requires genuine faith in the Lord—a faith that trusts God sees, knows, and honors those who obey His commands rather than adopting the ways of the world.
It is one thing when church members fall into these sins; it is another when church officers engage in them. These are men who have been trained, examined, and have taken vows. They are called to be examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3). They should model how Christians navigate disagreement. When they choose the world’s weapons—unfairly tearing down fellow believers rather than speaking the truth in love—they fail in that calling.
My greatest concern is not merely the means or the ends, but the condition of the heart that concludes the world’s methods are preferable to God’s. Those who choose slander, gossip, and falsehood over love, faith, and hope reveal something deeply troubling. Such actions display a lack of love for both God and neighbor and a lack of trust in God’s wisdom, power, and providence.
We should all walk carefully so that we do not fall into these sins ourselves. The Bible repeatedly warns us about the power of the tongue and the damage it can cause. We should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Rather than becoming defensive, we should carefully examine our words and actions. When we are guilty, we should repent. And when others persist in these worldly patterns, the church should lovingly address them for their good and for the peace and purity of Christ’s church.
In a culture where winning is everything, and in a world where we have become numb to dirty tricks, slander, and gossip, the church should stand apart. We should be a people who care about both the ends and the means. We should uphold a standard of truth and love that rejects gossip, slander, innuendo, and manipulation. Christians should not engage in the politics of personal destruction. Rather, we should speak the truth in love.
