Living according to Christian principles means going against the current of the world, and all Christians understand this reality. People who once called themselves friends, or at least acted friendly, now look at us strangely, as if we are fanatics or simply crazy. Even our own family might reject us, keeping their distance and avoiding any conversation about God and the faith we profess.
To them, the figure of the “Brother Hallelujah” becomes a source of mockery or discomfort—someone they prefer to stay away from. However, the hardest thing to face isn’t rejection from the world but the opposition that sometimes arises within the Christian community itself. This happens when some believe Christianity should be an extension of traditional religion, prioritizing the appearance of religiosity over genuine commitment to biblical teachings.
What is your mission as a Christian?
The mission of a servant of God is to speak about the One who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light, without worrying about pleasing people. In a world that seeks social approval and acceptance at all costs, this task can be particularly challenging. However, the faithful Christian knows their priority isn’t popularity or pleasing others but proclaiming the truth revealed in God’s Word.
Many within the faith community believe pointing out sin is unloving toward their brothers and sisters. They think those who emphasize that God doesn’t tolerate sin are rigid and unsympathetic, misunderstanding the “needs” of the modern church. In this context, love is expected to mean unconditional acceptance, even when it involves behaviors contrary to biblical teaching. However, true Christian love doesn’t overlook what displeases God but calls people to repentance and a life aligned with His will.
Today, some congregations have chosen to accept practices and lifestyles the Bible clearly identifies as sin. Thus, many churches have opened their doors to people who continue living in ways condemned by God’s Word, such as homosexuality, theft, and other lifestyles contrary to biblical teaching. It is crucial to remember, however, that God is holy, and His sanctity demands that anyone who approaches Him does so with a repentant heart willing to be transformed.
This isn’t about rejecting sinners because God doesn’t despise those who come to Him with a contrite and humble heart, seeking change and a new life. Jesus Himself showed compassion to the marginalized and sinners, extending His love and calling them to repentance. But receiving a repentant sinner is entirely different from accepting those who wish to continue in their sins while integrating into the faith community.
When the church allows its doors to be wide open to people unwilling to change, seeking instead to normalize their practices, it risks distorting the message of the gospel. It isn’t loving to let someone continue on a path that, according to Scripture, leads to destruction. True love is reflected in warning others about the consequences of sin and helping them find the path to redemption through Jesus Christ.
Reminding the Christian community that sin brings fatal consequences is a responsibility that cannot be avoided, even if it means facing rejection from many. Throughout biblical history, prophets, apostles, and servants of God have faced opposition for being faithful to the message God entrusted to them. Their words weren’t always well-received, but their goal was never to please their audience—it was to be faithful to God’s voice.
The apostle Paul, for example, didn’t shy away from correcting churches when they strayed from the truth, even if it meant confronting those who considered him an enemy for telling them the truth. His mission—and that of every Christian committed to the gospel—is to obey God rather than men. In times when biblical correction is seen as unloving, it is essential to remember that Scripture calls us to stand firm in the truth.
God doesn’t reject those who want to repent and change their lives, but His holiness doesn’t allow Him to accept those who cling to sin and refuse transformation. The book of Hebrews reminds us that “without holiness no one will see the Lord.” This truth shows us that the Christian life requires deep transformation—a change of mind and heart that leads us to turn away from what displeases God and live according to His commandments.
It isn’t enough to attend a congregation or participate in church activities; what God seeks is a heart willing to submit to His will. Being a true Christian means a commitment that goes beyond appearances and social acceptance. It is about living with integrity, seeking sanctification every day, and remembering that, although the path is difficult, the reward is eternal.
The rejection we face for being faithful to God’s Word—whether it comes from friends, family, or even other believers—is a test of our faith. Jesus warned us that the world would hate us because it hated Him first. However, He also gave us the hope that if we persevere to the end, we will be rewarded.
If you choose to stand firm in the truth, you may lose some friendships, and even some fellow believers might view you with suspicion. But remember, your primary commitment is to God, not to men. In the end, the only thing that truly matters is pleasing God and being found faithful in His sight.
The Christian path is not easy, but God’s promise is clear: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” If being faithful to the truth and pointing out sin means facing rejection, so be it. True love isn’t shown in accepting error but in courageously guiding others toward the light of Christ.
Remember, our mission is to be light in the midst of a world that has chosen darkness. Even if they call us crazy, fanatics, or outdated, our reward is in heaven. And although it may be difficult at times, it is worth standing firm, knowing that the only thing that matters is pleasing God and being faithful to His call.
