There’s no shortage of opinions on whether or not it’s appropriate to confront your relatives’ religious or political views. Some say that our present moment calls for bold statements that may offend those we love. Others say that the polarity of our season calls for the exact opposite—this is a time to come together, not to deepen our divides.
What does the Bible say? Well, that can feel a bit tricky, too. The same Scriptures that show us a Jesus who calls people “whitewashed tombs” also show us a Jesus who longs to see his “joy fulfilled” in humanity. If we’re looking to the Scriptures for a when-to-stand-up-to-Uncle-Joe formula, we’re likely going to be found wanting.
As Ecclesiastes says 3, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
What we need, then, is not an equation or a rule, but wisdom. Truth spoken in love, even in a way that makes someone uncomfortable, is well within the bounds of godly conduct. So can be the graciousness to overlook a fault, focusing instead on cultivating a stronger, more loving relationship that bears up under disagreement and can discuss difficult topics with grace.
There aren’t any easy answers here, but there are thoughtful words and approaches to mull over, such as those shared by Russell Moore and Beth Moore on a new bonus episode of The Russell Moore Show. Tune in and take heart as they answer several timely questions, including “How do you know when to challenge your loved ones’ dangerous views and when to let go and quit pushing them?”
