I put up with a lot when it comes to a certain person and his family.  Eventually, I completely cut everyone out of my life, and now I’m at peace... my question is: did I do the right thing by letting go?  Did I do the right thing by completely cutting everyone out of my life... or letting go the way I did, or am I supposed to continue to help and be there for them?  It’s hard for me to continue to associate with these people when, in reality, all I want to do is leave them in the past... especially when they go to the same church as I do.

Sincerely,
Cut It Out

Dear Cut It Out,

When dealing with trials amongst brethren, the biggest word we must watch out for is ‘bitterness’.  God warns us that bitterness creeps in and defiles us (Heb 12:15).  Bitterness destroys marriages (Col 3:19); it enslaves us (Acts 8:23); it changes the way we talk (Rom 3:14) and the way we think and feel (Jas 3:14).  If you are dealing with a fellow christian, there must be some redeeming quality within them that you could dwell upon (Php 4:8).  Be very careful to not close your heart off to others – if we won’t forgive, God won’t forgive us (Matt 6:14).  Bitterness comes across in the way we live – with all kindness, we recommend that you examine yourself (1 Cor 11:31) and see whether or not it may be time to soften your heart and let go (Eph 4:31-32).  Cutting yourself off from everyone in your life, especially the church, isn’t the answer.

Is it a curse word when someone uses the words “By God” in a slang way?

Sincerely,
Word For Word

Dear Word For Word,

Using the Lord’s name in vain (Deu 5:11) is a matter of context and attitude.  God’s name is supposed to be treated with reverence (Heb 12:28).  Just like our earthly parents, our heavenly Father is deserving of respect (Heb 12:9).  We should only use His name when referring to something appropriate and when speaking with the utmost sincerity and seriousness.  God should be feared (Ps 111:10).  We are told to watch our lips and words (Ps 141:3).  Slang is typically used when we are speaking loosely and casually.  God’s name deserves more reverence than that.

I have a problem.  I am in a christian school, and almost every teacher there uses terms, that if you pay attention, are questioning if the students really have faith in God.  They will ask if I am a christian, and if so, to prove it.  So I'm using an opportunity, a project assigned to me in Bible class (we are making a devotional), that gives Biblical reasons for why this is wrong, so maybe I could use the Bible to show them. I can’t find any verses on the subject!  Could you help me out?  Thank you.

Sincerely,
No More Questions

Dear No More Questions,

There is nothing wrong with someone asking you to prove why you are a christian.  The Scriptures teach that we should always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is within us (1 Pet 3:15).  There may be an issue of decorum and diplomacy when a teacher is constantly peppering their students with questions like this, but it isn’t inherently wrong.  Christianity is based off of the evidence that God gives us (Heb 11:1).  Even though we don’t see God, proof of His existence is abundantly provided in both the Scriptures and the world around us (Rom 1:20).  Reasoning and deliberating over the evidence is something that God finds pleasing (Isa 1:18).  All of Christianity is based off of truth (Jhn 14:6).  It is important that every christian be able to solidly defend their beliefs (Php 1:16) against the trickery and wiles of the devil (Eph 6:11).  Know the truth, and the truth will set you free (Jhn 8:32).

As a christian lady, would it be inappropriate to slap a worldly man in the face when spoken to in a provocative, evil manner?

Sincerely,
Talk To The Hand

Dear Talk To The Hand,

It would probably be best if you walked away.  The Lord tells us to turn the other cheek… not slap the other cheek (Matt 5:39).  Christians should never resort to violence to solve problems; that is the way of the world (Gen 6:11).  Christians should be known as peacemakers (Matt 5:9).  Be angry, but don’t let that anger turn into bad behavior (Eph 4:26).  Show them you are a lady by kindly and quietly removing yourself from such vulgar company.

What do you do when you are trying to make a difference, and you come across a person who tries to question your faith?  I mean that the person I am referring to has made a lot of satanic-type comments.  What do I do?

Sincerely,
Cat Got My Tongue

Dear Cat Got My Tongue,

It depends on how they are questioning your faith.  If someone has specific and honest questions about your Christianity, God expects you to be ready to give them honest and Biblical answers (1 Pet 3:15).  However, if someone is just trying to provoke you and be argumentative for argument’s sake… the Bible has another answer for that – don’t throw your pearls before swine (Matt 7:6).