Misplaced Zeal

If our zeal is embittered by expressions of anger, invective, or scorn, we may think we are doing service to the cause of truth, when in reality we shall only bring it into discredit. (John Newton, author of Amazing Grace)

Newton’s remarks could be addressed to today’s well-meaning bloggers or those who write letters to the editor. In an effort to convince non-believers of the truths they hold, they are highly critical of and often downright nasty to the readers whose minds they hope to change. In doing so, they not only offend the readers, but what is worse, as Newton says, they discredit the truth.

By truth spoken in love, we are to grow in every way into Him—the Anointed One, the head. (Ephesians 4:15)