If you are anything like me, you are passionate about what you believe and why you believe it. This enthusiasm can often trigger deep-rooted emotions that surface whenever we confront heretical teachers, unbiblical teaching, or contend for the truth.
I have listed a few tips below to help you remain calm while you defend or contend for the faith. I hope you find them useful:
Remember the Bottom Line. Chances are that the person you are dealing with is spiritually deceived and needs redemption. Keep this reality at the forefront of your emotional state to help you stay calm while presenting the truth.
Do Unto Others. Speak to and treat the person you are encountering the same way you would want someone to treat you if you were spiritually deceived and lost. Rude comments, insults, or put-downs do not represent Jesus or the gospel message you are presenting.
Stay On Point. Keep your discussion and comments focused on the doctrinal dispute. This approach helps keep the conversation from sidetracking to non-essential issues that could add fuel to the fire you are already trying to extinguish.
Being emotionally prepared to handle the inevitable difficulties that arise when you refute false doctrine is as vital as the information you share. Therefore, use wisdom and self-control to keep your heightened emotions subdued while presenting the truth as calmly and factually as possible. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit is the one who convicts and convinces others of the truth. You are only responsible to share it.
Are you emotionally prepared to refute false doctrine? Let me know in the comments.
