Question: What do I do when family and friends make fun of my Christian beliefs?

Answer: Remember that being ridiculed, called names, and ignored is nothing new to those who follow Jesus Christ. In today’s politically correct culture, it’s considered out-of-step with the times to live our lives according to God’s Holy Word.  When we say things like, “We support the biblical definition of marriage (as in Matthew 19:4-6),” or that “Children are gifts from God and it is wrong to abort them (Psalms 127:3),” unbelievers react like we are out of our minds.  They find it strange that we can actually believe such things.  As the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (NKJV)

Also, the world will warn us that if we continue to hold to these beliefs, we’ll risk being called hateful, unintelligent, and backwards instead of being seen as progressive in our thinking.  After all, nobody wants to come across as dumb in front of others.  Little do they know that God would say that it is them who lack knowledge and that it is them who fail to be wise.  Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”  When they choose to ignore God’s Word and instead do what is right in their own eyes, they’re saying that they know better than God!  Most certainly, they do not!  But, as Romans 1:22 says, “Professing to be wise, they became fools…”  So, as they promote their sinful behaviors, they need to know they are dishonoring their Creator.  And, God will not be mocked! (Galatians 6:7)

Therefore, Believers should take comfort in knowing that Jesus said, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” (John 15:18)  We must not lose hope.  Instead, we must continue to pray for the salvation of our loved ones and friends, and that they go on to live a life that is pleasing to God.  We must continue to show them the love of Christ and not forget that before each of us accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we were lost just like them.

So, the next time you are attacked for your Christian beliefs, stand strong in God’s Word!  Say to them as Paul said in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…”  Amen!

(Re-posted and updated from my 6/26/15 blog post.)