What if a Christian is attacked, vilified, or "cancelled" because of their faith?
Introduction
n an increasingly secular and hostile culture, being attacked, mocked, or socially "cancelled" for holding biblical views (on morality, marriage, life, etc.) has become a common form of soft persecution. This can be devastating, leading to loss of employment, social standing, or friendships.
However, the Christian should not be surprised by this hostility. Jesus explicitly warned His followers that the world, which rejected Him, would also reject them. The Christian's response to hostility is counterintuitive: it is a call to joy.
Main: Three Biblical Commands for Responding to Hostility
The biblical plan for dealing with attack is not retaliation or retreat, but a courageous and unique spiritual response.
1. The Call to Joy and Endurance (The Beatitude Shock)
The primary instruction for those persecuted for righteousness is found in the Beatitudes, a teaching that turns the world's wisdom upside down.
Joy in Suffering: Jesus said: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:10-12).
A Sign of Faithfulness: Vilification is, paradoxically, a sign that you are faithfully following Christ, whose own message was offensive to the powerful of His day. The pain of rejection is temporary, but the reward is eternal. Your ultimate allegiance is proven in these moments of social pressure.
2. Respond with Gentleness and Blessing (The Counter-Cultural Method)
When attacked, the natural human response is anger, defense, or retaliation. The Christian is commanded to respond in a way that reflects the character of Christ.
Bless and Do Not Curse: Paul commands us: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them” (Romans 12:14). This is the hardest command, requiring supernatural strength. We are called to pray for the good of the person attacking us, remembering they are spiritually lost and blinded by the enemy (2 Corinthians 4:4).
The Gentle Defense: If you must speak, do so with respect and humility: “Always be 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” (1 Peter 3:15-16). Your respectful conduct, even when being attacked, is a powerful witness that shames the slander of the aggressor.
Trust Your Cause to God: Peter reminds us that when we suffer, we should not seek justice ourselves but entrust the outcome to the sovereign Judge: “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example... When he was reviled, he did not revile in return” (1 Peter 2:21-23).
3. Maintain Integrity and Focus on Eternal Security (The Anchor)
The greatest danger of "cancellation" is the temptation to compromise one's views to regain acceptance.
Don't Compromise Truth: The Christian must stand firm on biblical truth, even if it is unpopular. Do not trade eternal truth for temporary acceptance. Be sure that the views you are being "cancelled" for are truly biblical doctrines (e.g., Jesus is the only way) and not merely personal opinions.
Security in Heaven: If you lose friends, a job, or social standing for Christ's sake, remember that your ultimate citizenship and acceptance are not here on earth. “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). Your ultimate reward is secure, and no human power can take it away.
Conclusion
To be attacked and vilified for adhering to the truth of Jesus Christ is not a cause for shame, but an honor shared with the prophets and apostles.
Choose joy in your suffering, maintain a spirit of gentle love toward your accusers, and entrust your reputation to God. Live your life knowing that the approval of your Savior outweighs all the scorn of the world.
