Saturday, 20 August 2011
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Scapegoat Christian
By Ani Demirjian
Sometimes as Christians, we find ourselves in a position where we become the scapegoat. Someone is going through something difficult because of their sin, we speak truth into their lives, and all of a sudden, we become the bad guy (or girl). We are an easy target, so, instead of owning up to their mistakes, they point the finger at us as a way of escape.I recently had something like this happen to mewhere I tried to help in a situation that involved consequences due to sin. I confronted the sin then offered myself to help in anyway through dealing with the consequences. However, the whole situation was then turned around on me for harassing and being judgmental, and I was called some not very nice names.
Let me be honest with you. That hurt. In a situation where I was trying to be helpful, caring, encouraging, and loving, I became the scapegoat for this person’s problems. What did I do? I was just trying to help. When I got past the initial hurt feelings, I began to sympathize with those who caused the hurt. Remember, hurt people hurt people. This person was going through a lot because of their situation, so it was just natural for them to turn on me, especially since I confronted their sin.
That is one point I want to make. People do not like the truth. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18), and again, “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Mathew 10:22). If you speak the truth, even if it’s in love and even if it’s only to help and restore, those who hate the truth will hate you.
Are you ok with that? As a Christian, are you ok with being hated by the world? Let me tell you, it’s not easy. And what I experienced is very minimal to what others experience… to what you may experience. However, to be hated and harassed for His name’s sake is something all Christians have to be willing to do. We cannot sugar coat the truth, nor can we change it. We just have to have the character to speak it and take whatever consequences that may come.
This is not to say that we glory in persecution, look for it, and condemn the ones that bring it about. Rather, we continue to love them as Jesus loved and forgave. We pray for them and continually intercede. We may have to take a step back, but we still do not toss them to the lions. I was greatly challenged by my situation to continue to love them and try to help them from a distance in prayer.
Sometimes, you have the take the hit and be the scapegoat to peoples’ problems. Jesus was the scapegoat for the world’s sins. He gave it all he had, spoke the truth in love, continued in the face of persecution, and did not back down. And neither will we.
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About the Author
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- From: anidemirjian
- Name: Ani
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Comments (5)
1) bringing up sin is pretty dumb unless the person you're discussing it with already agrees that sin exists.
2) i know plenty of Christians who, when i'm going through a hard time, don't try to say that the cause of it may be because i'm a horrible and sinful agnostic. so clearly, your religion isn't the issue. maybe you should stop using it as a scapegoat yourself. stop hiding behind your faith and take responsibility for your own behavior.
wow, get over yourself. i don't think you can compare yourself to jesus because people called you out on your arrogant judgmental behavior. that's not making the ultimate sacrifice or being a "scapegoat". that's you not listening to normal social cues. i.e. people don't like it when you pass judgment on their life choices as if you know what's best for everyone. i think you need to work on the whole humility thing.
Well said OP.
He wasnt a scapegoat. Hes a lion and a lamb.
@vain_apathy@xanga - Ditto.