Framing the moment

Jesus prepared us for days like these. “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first… the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world” (John 15:18–19). The pressure is real, but it is not new.

Scripture calls it plainly: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). The mockery is not a verdict on the gospel; it is the expected friction of light meeting darkness.

Standing on what cannot be shaken

We do not guess our way through the moment. “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). God’s Word is accurate, sufficient, and clear, and we receive it as it stands.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). When culture shifts, the Rock does not.

Why mockery intensifies

The cross offends pride and exposes sin. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). Hostility often grows where conscience is pricked and idols are threatened.

Scripture describes a world that calls evil good and good evil, suppressing the truth in unrighteousness. This has always been the battlefield, and it clarifies our mission, not diminishes it.

Our posture: conviction with compassion

We carry ourselves with courage and kindness. “But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Conviction without cruelty. Compassion without compromise.

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of every opportunity. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:5–6). The tone of our witness must mirror the grace of our Lord.

- Hold Scripture above sentiment.

- Speak truth plainly, never harshly.

- Refuse shame; embrace humility.

- Serve visibly; explain patiently.

- Keep a clear conscience; endure slander without retaliation.

Living the difference

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Formation precedes persuasion. What we practice in private strengthens what we proclaim in public.

“You are the light of the world… let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14,16). Visible holiness answers many accusations before a word is spoken.

- Establish daily Scripture and prayer rhythms.

- Embed Lord’s Day worship at the center of the week.

- Practice hospitality as a habit, not an event.

- Serve the poor, defend the vulnerable, love your enemies.

- Keep short accounts; confess sin quickly and forgive freely.

Clarity on the hard questions

The world demands affirmation where God commands repentance. Love replies with truth that saves.

- Creation and identity: “So God created man in His own image… male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27). Jesus reaffirms this creational order (Matthew 19:4–6).

- Sexual holiness: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Grace trains us “to deny ungodliness and worldly passions” (Titus 2:11–12).

- The sanctity of life: “You knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13). “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13).

- Repentance and hope: “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified…” (1 Corinthians 6:11). Christ saves and changes real people.

How to answer when mocked

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1). Self-control is spiritual power on display.

- Listen for honest concerns beneath sharp words.

- Clarify what Scripture actually teaches; correct caricatures.

- Reframe morality as love for God and neighbor, not mere rules.

- Testify to Christ’s mercy in your own life.

- Invite to consider the gospel, not just an ethic.

- “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

Equipping the saints

Formation is a community project. Mockery isolates; the church gathers, grounds, and sends.

- Families: Build a daily liturgy of Scripture, song, and prayer; “teach them diligently to your children” (Deuteronomy 6:7). Practice gospel conversations about news, media, and school.

- Churches: Catechize clearly. Preach the whole counsel of God. Pair older saints with younger for embodied discipleship (Titus 2).

- Workers and students: Prepare principled statements of belief. Learn respectful, concise answers. Keep written records and seek wise counsel when conscience is pressured.

Refusing both outrage and retreat

We neither rage nor run. “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). Courage tells the truth; love bears the cost.

Honor leaders, show public respect, and keep civic peace, while reserving ultimate allegiance for Christ. When commands of men contradict the commands of God, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

When faithfulness costs

Jesus names the blessing. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:11–12). Loss for Christ is never loss in the ledger of heaven.

God sees, strengthens, and vindicates. He places us together so none stands alone when the winds rise.

- Stay in fellowship; do not suffer in isolation (Hebrews 10:24–25; “He who promised is faithful,” Hebrews 10:23).

- Keep working quietly and excellently.

- Document conscience conflicts; seek pastoral and legal help where needed.

- Bless those who curse you; keep doing good that can be seen and verified.

The power that cannot be mocked

The gospel is not on trial. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Mockery cannot empty the cross of its power.

Hold steady. Christ is risen. His Word stands. His Spirit helps. His church endures, bright in a dark age, until He comes.

Feelings now function as facts for many. Scripture speaks a better word as reality’s map and God’s voice. “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Read the Bible as a unified story, rooted in creation, fulfilled in Christ, and binding on conscience.

- Teach the difference between temptation, identity, and obedience.

- Show how creational givens (body, time, family, limit) are gifts, not enemies.

Natural law and public reason

Creation reveals moral structure that neighbors can recognize (Romans 2:14–15). Build bridges from shared goods to revealed truth.

- Appeal to the protection of children, bodily integrity, free speech, and religious liberty as common goods.

- Explain why creational realities like male and female bless society (Genesis 1:27; Matthew 19:4–6).

Discerning mockery versus correction

Not every hard word is persecution. Scripture warns against suffering for folly or sin. Receive warranted critique with repentance; resist slander with patient endurance.

- Invite accountability partners to speak candidly.

- Keep a paper trail of decisions; transparency preserves integrity (1 Peter 3:16: “keeping a clear conscience”).

Conscience, law, and civil disobedience

Honor authorities while reserving ultimate obedience for Christ (Romans 13:1–4; 1 Peter 2:13–17). When coercion violates God’s commands, accept cost without violence. “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

- Prepare in advance what you cannot do in good conscience.

- Cultivate generous cooperation where possible; draw clear lines where necessary.

Technology and moral imagination

Algorithms catechize. Guard inputs to guard loves. “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

- Set screen curfews, curate feeds, and elevate Scripture and good books.

- Use digital tools for accountability, not isolation (Philippians 4:8).

Church discipline and public witness

Holiness protects the weak and adorns the gospel (1 Corinthians 5; Galatians 6:1: “restore him with a spirit of gentleness”). Transparent, restorative discipline answers charges of hypocrisy.

- Publish clear membership expectations.

- Pair correction with tangible care and persistent pursuit.

Forming the next generation for courage

Children need scripts before the test. Teach them what to say kindly when pressured to celebrate what God forbids.

- Role-play likely scenarios at school or online.

- Equip them to appeal to authority respectfully and to seek help promptly.

Workplaces, schools, and policies

Learn how to file accommodation requests. Keep records. Seek allies. Speak early and calmly, not late and defensively.

- Draft concise statements of belief and practice.

- Build coalitions around shared freedoms with people of goodwill.

Public communication and holy humor

Avoid sarcasm and derision. No coarse joking (Ephesians 5:4). Use humor to humanize, not to humiliate.

- Share stories of mercy and changed lives.

- Let kindness disarm before argument convinces (Romans 2:4).

Hospitality as apologetics

Open tables open hearts. “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9). Invite skeptics into environments where Scripture is seen, not only heard.

- Plan regular, ordinary meals with neighbors.

- Pair hospitality with service in local needs.

Evangelism under pressure

Anchor every moral conversation in the person and work of Christ. God now commands all people everywhere to repent and has given proof by raising Jesus from the dead (Acts 17:30–31).

- Keep the gospel central: creation, fall, cross, resurrection, return.

- Expect ridicule; aim for clarity. Faith comes by hearing.

Suffering that sanctifies

God refines His people through trials. Entrust your soul to a faithful Creator while doing good (1 Peter 4:19).

- Journal God’s providences; remember His past faithfulness.

- Sing the Psalms; let Scripture give you words when emotions run thin.

Endure with joy. Shine with clarity. Love without compromise. The Word of God is true, and Jesus is worthy.