Dealing with a Cocky Christian in a Humble Manner
Dealing with a Cocky Christian in a Humble Manner
Dealing with a cocky or arrogant Christian requires a thoughtful and biblically grounded approach. The apostle Paul sets a precedent in 2 Corinthians 10:1, where he appeals to the Corinthian church "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ" [2, 3]. This approach emphasizes the importance of humility and courtesy in interactions, even when faced with reproach or arrogance.
The biblical basis for humility is multifaceted. In Romans 14:1, believers are encouraged to "accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions" [1]. This instruction promotes a culture of acceptance and understanding within the Christian community. Furthermore, 1 Peter 3:16 advises believers to conduct themselves "with courtesy and respect, having a good conscience, so that in the things in which you are slandered, the ones who malign your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame" [4]. The term "courtesy" is noteworthy, as it is associated with being "urbane" or courteous, according to Hitchcock's Bible Names [5].
Humility is a prominent Christian grace, pleasing to God and essential for maintaining peace and tranquillity within the community (Easton's Bible Dictionary) [6]. The example of Christ is paramount; His humility is a model for believers (Philippians 2:6-8). In dealing with a cocky Christian, one must recall that humility preserves the soul in tranquillity and makes one patient under trials.
In practice, dealing with an arrogant Christian involves several key principles. Firstly, maintaining a good conscience and conducting oneself with honesty among others is crucial (1 Peter 2:11) [10]. This includes being hospitable without grudging or murmuring, as emphasized by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown in their commentary on 1 Peter 4:9 [11]. The act of showing kindness, even to those who may be hostile, can lead to repentance and restoration of fellowship, as noted by Tyndale House on Romans 12:20 [9].
The meekness and gentleness of Christ, as referenced by Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:1, serve as a powerful example for how to engage with others [2, 3]. John Chrysostom, in his Homilies on 1 & 2 Corinthians, highlights the peaceful nature of the humble individual, who bears insults meekly and maintains peace towards all men [8]. This approach is not about avoiding confrontation but about engaging with others in a manner that reflects Christ's character.
In the view of Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, as represented by Matthew Henry, the apostle Paul's humility in the face of reproach is a significant example for believers. Henry notes that Paul's mild and humble address to the Corinthians demonstrates his desire to avoid severity and instead encourages a similar demeanor among believers [7].
Sources
- Romans “Romans 14:1 (BSB) — Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions.”
- 2 Corinthians “2 Corinthians 10:1 (NASB) — Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ--I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent!”
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 10:1 (BSB) — Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.”
- I Peter “I Peter 3:16 (LEB) — But do so with courtesy and respect, having a good conscience, so that in the things in which you are slandered, the ones who malign your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame.”
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Urbane — courteous”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Humility — A prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Ch”
- 2 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 2 Corinthians 10:1: Here we may observe, I. The mild and humble manner in which the blessed apostle addresses the Corinthians, and how desirous he is that no occasion may be given him to use severity. 1. He addresses them in a very mild and humble manner: I Paul myself beseech you, Co2 10:1. We find, in the introduction to this epistle, he joined Timothy with himself; but now he speaks only for himself, against whom the false apostles had particularly levelled their reproaches; yet in the midst of the greatest provocations he shows humility and mildness, from the consideration”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on 1 & 2 Corinthians: unto the righteousness of God.” The lowly man of whom I am speaking, is pleasing and delightful to all men, and dwells in continual peace, and hath in him no ground for contentions. For though you insult him, though you abuse him, whatsoever you say, he will be silent and will bear it meekly, and will have so great peace towards all men as one cannot even describe. Yea, and with God also. For the commandments of God are to be at peace with men: and thus our whole life is made prosperous, through peace one with another. For no man can injure God: ”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 12:20: 12:20-21 A simple act of Christian kindness can often bring a hostile person to repentance before God and restore fellowship between people.”
- 1 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Peter 2:11: Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles,.... To have the conversation honest, is to provide things honest in the sight of men; to live and walk honestly before all; to do those things which are right and honest in the sight of God, and among men; to order the conversation aright, according to the law of God, which is a rule of walk and conversation, and as becomes the Gospel of Christ; and which was the more, and rather to be attended to, because these converted Jews were "among the Gentiles", that knew not God; idolaters, and unbelievers, profane sinners,”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 4:9: (Rom 12:13; Heb 13:2.) Not the spurious hospitality which passes current in the world, but the entertaining of those needing it, especially those exiled for the faith, as the representatives of Christ, and all hospitality to whomsoever exercised from genuine Christian love. without grudging--Greek, "murmuring." "He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity," that is open-hearted sincerity; with cordiality. Not secretly speaking against the person whom we entertain, or upbraiding him with the favor we have conferred in him.”