I received this private message back in September:

“I am not going to go back-and-forth with you because I am not a debater but I just want to tell you you are attacking the body of Christ that you say you are defending. You need to remember who your real battle is against. Do you need to be right or are you trying to lead others to the Lord. That’s the real question.”

“You have teenagers kids adults excited about asking and inviting people to their church and you’re bashing them. Why don’t you ask yourself-Are you furthering the kingdom or harming it?”

Then, I received the exact same message a few days ago along with the helpful explanation, “Just in case u didn’t get it first time”

Since it seems you want me to acknowledge your message, I’ll respond with some public encouragement rather than going back-and-forth in a private message.

First, I encourage you to become a debater. Christians should be excellent debaters (2 Tim. 4:2, 1 Peter 3:15). Jesus followers know the truth so we never lose debates. You can confidently engage with any opinion when armed with the truth. The truth never loses debates.

Second, I encourage you to be specific. Vague accusations are not helpful. Tell me exactly how I’m harming the body of Christ. Remember that telling the truth is never inappropriate (John 8:32). Lies are harmful. Exposing falsehood is a great service to God’s people.

Third, I encourage you to recognize conviction when you feel it. I’ve written about my personal experiences and beliefs. If my story makes you feel ‘bashed’ or ‘attacked’ that’s your conscience trying to get your attention. Scolding me in a private message won’t help you find peace.

Fourth, I encourage you to strive to be right. You don’t need to choose between ‘being right’ and ‘leading others to the Lord.’ Being correct is NOT ‘arrogant’ or ‘unloving’ or ‘prideful’ by default. When someone says, “You just want to be right all the time,” ask them how often they want to be right. God’s people respond differently to that question than pagans.

Finally, I encourage you to speak openly. Secrets are for evil people (John 3:19). Never say anything in private that you would be ashamed to have repeated in public. If you don’t have enough confidence in your words to write them on a billboard, you shouldn’t speak them yet.

I know the people at your church don’t talk like this so these concepts seem strange. Check everything against the scripture to make sure I’m correct. I sincerely hope that you’ll find some joy in your service to Jesus.

(Colossians 1:21) And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.