Why did you post that picture? Why did you go to that event? Why did you show love to those people? Our behavior in real life or depicted in social media posts can lead to screenshots, questions, and gossip. Prayer, wisdom, and a willingness to be more like Jesus are the keys to handling each situation well.
Why Did He?
“But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Matthew 9:11-13 NLT
Jesus spent time in the company of those whom religious people disapproved of, and yet it didn’t change His beliefs or nullify His witness for us. He raised eyebrows. His actions brought about questions. Why didn’t Jesus behave like a ‘good Christian’ should?
When we make our choices based on what others might think, we miss out on opportunities to witness. Those who need the presence of Christ in their lives need us to show up for them. So when we make our choices based on showing others the unconditional love of God our actions speak on His behalf, not ours.
Questions may come, eyes may roll, and gossip may spread like wildfire. But if we want to be effective in our witness, if we want to be Christ with skin on, we may have to risk offending the religious.
Dear one, pray, seek wisdom from the Word, and be willing to be like Christ. Prepare yourself for the ‘why did you’ questions and stand strong in His purpose for you.