On Christmas 1914, a few German soldiers greeted their Allied enemies with “Merry Christmas” in their native tongues. Soldiers from both sides reluctantly emerged from their trenches to trigger an unofficial cease-fire. On different parts of the western front, warriors were shaking hands and swapping gifts with their sworn enemies.
This “Christmas Truce” started with one soldier’s decision to stop shooting and start talking. If combat soldiers can temporarily bring World War 1 to a halt, why not us?
But you, why do you criticize your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before the tribunal of God…Therefore, let us no longer criticize one another. Romans 14:10,13a
The first place we can bring peace on earth is in our hearts, homes, and churches.
Serial critics often do not respond well to…well, anything. So, our decision to stay on the high road is independent of our critic’s decisions. If your biggest opponent keeps firing away, that does not give you the green light to reload and fire back.
It is important to stop talking when your critic stops listening. Kill the conversation before it kills you.
When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19
Initially respond politely, then just ignore them, especially on social media. A conversation is based on two-way communication. Once the conversation is over, it is time to turn off the mic because it sometimes doubles as a shovel.
Stopping a conversation doesn’t always work, so be prepared to biblically escalate the response, especially if your critic starts sowing discord in your church or home. Managing God’s household, or your own well sometimes involves discipline, which is a form of discipleship.
As a parent, I knew that whatever I allowed in my home was condoned. Janet and I did not tolerate disrespect from our kids when they lived at home, which was of course tested. Do you think your faith-family should be any different?
Don’t criticize one another, brothers. James 4:11
The original Christmas Truce was never to be duplicated because those further up the chain of command put a hard stop to it. Christmas is a great time to obey our Commander and initiate a truce in His honor.
We must pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another. Romans 14:19