There are many things Christians say to each other that are either prideful, belittling, or simply silly and uncalled for. Some are also misleading. However, they’re wildly popular in the Christian community and it’s gotten out of hand. Whether you’re a victim or an offender, it’s okay. Together we can put an end to this nonsense and it begins by being informed. So, below you’ll find a list of 3 things Christians should stop saying to each other.
1.“I’ll pray for your understanding.”
Probably 9 times out of 10, Christians use this response when they’re engaged in heated debate, typically over traditions rather than plain teachings of Scripture. When no resolution is reached since both are arguing with opinions, one usually concludes with “I’ll pray for you” or “I’ll pray for your understanding.” This is not sincere, but a prideful last attempt to assert that “I’m right and you’re wrong” and to attack the other’s intelligence. It’s highly tacky and offensive and by now, many can see through it, so, please stop saying it. Moreover, the prayer will most likely never make it to production, which makes the person a liar since they never intended to pray in the first place. However, if you’re sincere, my advice is to just pray. You don’t have to announce it at the risk of offending anyone; announcing it shows it’s really more for you than them.
2.“You’re not a true Christian.”
It’s ironic because this is not “Christ-like” and benefits no one. First, only God knows a person’s heart (1 Sam. 16:7; 1 Kings. 8:39) so he alone can judge their life (Is. 33:22; Ecc. 3:17;1 Cor. 4:5). Second, “Christian” is a man-made title (Acts 11:26) and is not needed for salvation, but only faith in Jesus Christ and the God of Abraham (Eph. 2:8-9). Calling yourself a Christian doesn’t make you a member of an elite club where you have the power to revoke people’s memberships. Third, if you think someone isn’t sincere in their beliefs, help them understand what they need or pray for them. Then leave it in God’s hands. No one has the right to tell someone their faith isn’t sincere, or that they don’t belong to God. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? (Rom. 14:4) As long as we’re on the topic, stop judging folks based on your own interpretation of what it means to be a Christian. A true judgment based on righteous judgment (Jn. 7:24) and God’s word would never have led you to make this statement. Let’s trust the Lord to do his job. He’s been doing it much longer than us and is very competent at it. We’re not.
3.“God told me to tell you…”
If you aren’t chosen, sent, tried, and proven to be a genuine prophet of God, then God hasn’t told you anything about anyone else. Stop lying to God’s people and making yourself look important. The deceitful posts on the internet are my biggest pet peeve. The number of sincere believers who fall for this foolishness amazes me. I mean seriously? Would you really believe that one social media post about getting $1000 in 30 days applies to you and the other 10,982 people who commented “Amen?” Believers who entertain such foolishness reflect the corrupted mindset and materialistic focus of God’s people. Nevertheless, here’s a tip: If you honestly believe God has given you a personal message to give to someone else because he couldn’t reach them directly, give them the message, but don’t say “God told me to tell you.” Because if it doesn’t turn out to be true, (which it usually doesn’t), you are nothing more than a false prophet (Deut. 18:22) who lies on the Lord and misleads his children, and I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes. Consider focusing on your own relationship with him, as I’m sure he wants to tell you a lot about yourself first.
This concludes our list of 3 things Christians should stop saying to each other. And to those who disagree? Well, God told me to tell you that you aren’t a true Christian and I’ll pray for your understanding—Just kidding. I won’t really pray for you. No, but seriously, cut it out. Thanks.
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