A listener - Ben from Ohio - writes in with the following question:
“So, we as Christians are supposed to be kind and helpful and uplifting. How do you go about doing that to a liberal, for example, while also not giving the impression you support their stance or point of views?”
To help us answer this question, let's read what Christ teaches in Matthew 5:38-48 for starters.
- Verse 39 - "Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."
- Verse 44 - "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven."
Let's also consider what Jesus says in Matthew 10:16-23.
- Verse 16-17 - “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men…
- Verse 22 - "...You will be hated by all for my name’s sake."
In the interest of defining our terms, we should also do a compare and contrast between what is meant by the term “Liberal” and what is meant by the term “Leftist.” What is the difference?
- For starters, the term “Liberal” carries with it the connotation of someone being for freedom and liberty, but what are we being freed and liberated from, and what are we being liberated to?
- “Freedom is slavery” is a famous Orwellian line from the dystopian novel 1984.
Lastly, consider 1 Peter 2:13-25.
- Verse 16-17 - Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
