Scoffers

People of faith have often been the subjects of ridicule and are frequently viewed as ignorant and unsophisticated. The Bible tells us that scoffers will come (2 Peter 3:3; Jude 18), so we should not be surprised. Scoffing at the faith of another does not alter the object of that faith one bit. Let God be true and every man a liar (Romans 3:4). What is challenged is not the object of faith (God), but the subjects of faith (believers). No one likes to be made to look ridiculous. Peer pressure is applied with force, believers are forced into a posture of defense, confidence is shaken, and discouragement sets in. Perhaps that is why we are so often urged to encourage one another (Romans 12:8; 1 Corinthians 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; Hebrews 3:12-13, 10:25; Jude 20). Our best defense against the scoffers who seek to divide and conquer (Jude 19) is mutual encouragement.