God wants souls, not trolls

Warning: The following article contains a word some may find offensive.

Apologetics is an important aspect of Christian life. Our faith isn't supposed to be kept to ourselves, but rather, we are supposed to encourage others to come to faith, too. However, unfortunately, human nature means we're not always very good at that. Far too often, the Christians who are the most vocal about their faith are also rather angry about the fact not everyone shares it. I have seen, as I'm sure all my readers have, some very poor attempts to witness, and I readily admit I've committed this grievous sin. Sometimes, the Christian isn't even trying to share the faith, but bully those who do not hold it.

This is certainly not how things are supposed to be. Although the Apostles, and even Christ Himself, used some rather strong rhetoric, how often do you see them running around calling people "retards" and joking about how they were glad their fellow men would ultimately burn forever? Answer: You don't.

The brilliant thing about God is that He picks His own battles. We are called to contend for the faith, but we don't need to defend it as if it's actually in danger. If God wanted to destroy unbelievers, you better believe He could do it in a heartbeat. But that isn't His goal. We are told to witness for only two purposes. The first is to bring people to Him so they, too, may be saved. The second is so those who reject Him may be ashamed. Both of these are reduced if we, as Christians, give them reason to reject the faith by acting like them, and especially if we act worse than them. Let us therefore heed the word of God: "always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience".