“But Elymas the magician (for so his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him, and said, “You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord?” (Acts 13:8-10).
As these verses exemplify, sometimes strong and direct language is the right response. I’m reminded of John the Baptizer’s words to describe some of the Jewish leaders who came to him to be immersed. He referred to them as “a brood of vipers” (Matthew 3:7). Jesus Himself used strong words on occasion. Speaking to the many of the scribes and Pharisees, He called them “hypocrites,” “blind guides,” “fools and blind men,” “serpents,” as well as a “brood of vipers” (Matthew 23). In His parable of the tares, Jesus spoke of His opponents as “sons of the evil one” (Matthew 23:38). Rather than being true children of God, Jesus identified His detractors as children of the devil (John 8:44). Paul pronounced a curse on those who would pervert the gospel (Galatians 1:8-9). So the precedent is there. Sometimes tough words are needed.
But did you notice something? Strong language in each case was reserved for those who were actively opposing God and the faith and abusing others in the process. Yes, Jesus did sometimes speak to His own followers in direct terms, but not in the way described above. There is no justification here for using such language against other believers. We are called to a higher standard. “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). “But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth” (Colossians 3:8).
God loves you!
Mike
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