WHAT DO WE DO WHEN PEOPLE POISON OTHERS AGAINST US?

“Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synagogue and preached with such power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. Some of the Jews, however, spurned God’s message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas. But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. …”
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT

What do we do when people reject our message or poison other people against us?
Often we end up wanting to leave immediately and go to another place.
Or we fight back and create greater confusion.
Or, we quit and give up.

But Paul and Barnabas refused to quit or feel or fight:
But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord.

Firstly, they stood firm.

They did not give up. They did not run away. They stayed put. In fact, they stayed a long time. They knew God has called theme there and were faithful.

Secondly, they were faithful to their ministry.

They were called to preach. They continued to preach boldly. They did not change their strategies or stay quiet. They kept doing what they were called to do.

Finally, they focused on God’s grace.

They did not allow the bitterness of people around them to make them bitter. They did not try to focus on ‘God’s judgment’ and put a guilt trip on people. They focused on the overwhelming grace of God and a God who never gives up on people.

What do we do when people make it difficult for us?
It’s not time to quit. Or flee. Or fight.
It’s time to stand firm.
It’s time to be faithful in ministry.
It’s time to focus on God’s grace.