In the age of cancel culture and condemnation, as believers, how should we be responding and engaging?

 

The Culture of Condemnation vs. The Example of Jesus

In New Testament times, amidst a society which held to punitive action in response to wrongdoing, Jesus entered the scene – with mercy. That must have been earth shaking.

To the accusers of a woman caught in adultery who was about to be stoned, He said, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone” (John 8:7). Imagine the angry, condemning people, out for blood. What must they have thought as they considered the words they just heard. One by one, the members of the crowd walked away.

Left standing alone with the woman, Jesus said, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on, sin no more.”

As believers, we have also been met by Jesus in this way – with grace, a charge to repent, turn away from our sin, turn back to God, and to lead one another on in love.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

– Ephesians 4:32

God has given us an immeasurable gift of grace and calls us to a high standard of doing the same for others as well.

 

A Higher Calling: 3 Steps for a Christ-Like Response

Three steps we can take to accomplish this are: 1) have a heart of gratitude for what God has done for us, 2) acknowledge that God loves and desires for everyone to be reconciled to Him; and 3) speak truth in love as we engage with others.

 

Step 1: Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

– Colossians 2:6-7

Gratitude is a critical component that positions our hearts to be in alignment with God. When we remember what God has done for us – remember where we were in our brokenness when He met us – how can we help but be grateful? If ever we forget this gift, we can begin to feel unappreciative, entitled, and judgmental.

These things are not in line with God’s character, and they grieve Him. It is humility, peace, and joy that He desires for us. The root of these is having a heart of gratitude.

 

Step 2: Acknowledge God’s Love for Everyone

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”

– 1 Timothy 2:1-4

As easy as it is to take offense to what others do, God calls us to a higher perspective – one of love. God not only desires for us to draw closer to Him and grow in Christ-likeness, but He also desires that for everyone else too.

We are to be a light in this world (Matthew 5:14-16) and as Christ is our example, to follow in His footsteps (1 Peter 2:21-25). He died for us all.

 

Step 3: Speak Truth in Love, Not in Anger

“… let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

-Ephesians 4:23, 31-32

Speaking truth in love through kindness and respect is a powerful force of healing and growth. We never know who we’re interacting with that may never have been spoken to in that way – or how they might learn from us. We never know how God will work in their hearts when we engage with them by His example.

 

Putting Grace into Practice

Imagine the ripple effect of extending grace with truth and love to those around us who have never experienced it before.

The judgment and condemnation of cancel culture is not in alignment with God’s character. As believers we have a higher calling – to, by our Christ-like example, show others what it looks like to extend grace.

 

Resources for Deeper Healing and Forgiveness

AUTHOR’S NOTE: In this article, we touched on the surface of grace. There are many different levels of wrongdoing and complexity when it comes to what it means to forgive. When personal trauma and/or emotional/psychological pain is involved, healing is also a significant part of the process. Although we are unable to address these things in this article, there are many resources available which do.

Online resources:

Forgiveness Does Not Require Trust: Friend of Josh McDowell and the ministry, Dr. Henry Cloud, distinguishes forgiveness and trust, a common misunderstanding about forgiveness.Undaunted: The Early Life of Josh McDowell: Josh McDowell’s personal story of forgiveness of his abuser.

Seeking professional help when needed is also very important to the healing process when needed. For believers seeking assistance from someone with a biblical foundation, it’s important to look for recommended and accredited Christian counselors.