The Oxford English Dictionary defines a “broad-brush” approach as a general, sweeping overview that lacks specific details, nuance, or individual differences. It is often used in professional or political contexts. Broad-brushing describes a simplified and sometimes unfairly generalized perspective. 

Yep. I struggle in our current cultural climate with broad-brushing by all sides. What do I mean by that?

If you disagree with someone’s beliefs you can automatically assign to them the worst values linked in any way to that belief. Without knowing a single thing about the person’s story, their heart, or their background we can easily throw down the gauntlet of judgment. 

A lot of faithful Christians have been unfairly broad-brushed recently. I agree that some claiming the title of Christian absolutely deserve to be called to accountability. I have never had a problem with being honest about how I and many other followers of Jesus often fall short of representing the grace and love of Jesus. 

That is just a fact. That doesn’t change who Jesus is.

One heartbreaking result is that the entire Christian faith can be dismissed and denigrated by people with social media influence. 

With just a bit of internet searching I can find example after example of failed followers of Jesus. What is more challenging to find are stories about the millions who serve selflessly every day and without being noticed. Why do so many people sacrifice willingly to help those who give them very little or even nothing in return? 

It is hard to read some of the comments that strangers have made about my faith in God. It is harder still to read and hear them from people I know. But that is the reality of the spiritual battle that all followers of Jesus face. 

If it is true that there is an enemy who tries to destroy the claims of Christ then it makes total sense that the narrative he would push forward is entirely negative. The Enemy does not want the millions of stories of people making a difference capturing the limelight. That would illuminate the darkness of this fallen world with the light and hope of Jesus.

So what should be our response to these attacks? Jesus made our response pretty clear.

⁴³ “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. ⁴⁴ But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! ⁴⁵ In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. ⁴⁶ If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. ⁴⁷ If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even unbelievers do that.” (Matthew 5:43-47, NLT)

When you have the opportunity to talk to someone who opposes your faith you should ask to hear their story. Why do they have such strong feelings against God? Did something or someone cause that reaction? 

It is amazing how hearing someone’s story can often soften your heart toward them. You have a much better understanding of why they react the way they do. And listening (really listening) can open a door to dialogue about your own journey and story. You will be acting as a true child of God.

Own your failures. We all fall short. I am careful not to communicate that my desire is for an unbeliever to stop living in a particular way or to quit a sin I abhor so I can accept them. My message is to really get to know Jesus. In the movie the Jesus Revolution a church welcomed in young men and women who were doing drugs and living a life that many in the congregation deemed decadent. If the message had been clean up your life and then you can be part of our community the revival would have stopped cold. Instead the message was come to know Jesus and let Him show you how to change how you live. That happened millions of times during that remarkable revival. 

It can still happen today. But I fear that God cannot use me if I am busy broad-brushing everyone I disagree with. I want to share His story without judging theirs. If we wish to demonstrate the power of the Gospel we should throw away the broad-brush. Will you join me?