I have had many conversations over the years with people who want to debate the validity of the Bible. In the course of hearing them argue about flaws in scripture, it becomes evident they have no desire to understand the Word of God and what it offers. They do not have a heart that wants to pursue a relationship with Jesus. This is what becomes evident the more I read about the Pharisees as they confront Jesus.
In Matthew 21:23, the chief priests and elders ask Jesus, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” They weren’t listening to what he taught, but were more intent on tearing him down. But Jesus responds with a question that puts them on the defensive: “The baptism of John was from what source, from heaven or from men (verse 25)?” They immediately begin “reasoning among themselves,” concerned about how their answer will make them look. They were more interested in their self image than a deeper understanding of God.
If someone is more intent on disparaging your faith in Jesus or discrediting scripture, it becomes difficult to help them have a change of heart. It also becomes important not to get caught up in a senseless debate where you are more concerned about proving you’re right. We must learn to discern the right response and rely on the Spirit to guide our words. As Luke 12:11-12 reminds us, “When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
© 2021 CGThelen
140 Character Christian 
Great reminder! It is not my job to change hearts and I’d hate to get in the way of God doing His miraculous part when all He wanted me to do was to speak truth. Thanks again!
God is so much better at discerning the heart of a person. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
Yes, these are wise words indeed, CG. Not every critic who wants to crash a Christian blogger’s comment section deserves a response.
So true. May God grant us the wisdom to discern the right response to critics. Blessings.
Wise, wise words. Thank you.
Praise God for His word! Blessings.
This is a good reminder to be wise in our response to critics of our faith and our Father God. Sometimes the right response is silence, surrendering all to God in prayer. Our Lord Jesus did this when before Pilate.
It can be hard to keep quiet when under attack, but that allows the Spirit to work instead of my anger. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.