“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” (Matthew 7:6 ESV)
I have been avoiding this verse because, well because I think it does not coincide with other passages of Scripture in all cases. For a “dog” is not speaking of a physical animal that is called a “dog,” but it is usually a reference to false prophets and teachers and preachers who are spiritual predators who feed off of others. And, well, the Pharisees were described as such by Jesus, but he spoke to them, didn’t he? And swine are very bad people, and Jesus died to save very bad people from their sins.
And then I think of all the instances in the Scriptures in which we are told that we are to preach the good news to the people even if they hate and revile us in return. And Jesus and Paul and Peter and John preached to those who reviled them and who persecuted them and who even killed some of them. And Paul kept going back to the people who persecuted him, even knowing that he would be persecuted, but in order to get the message of the gospel to them and to the people around them.
So I am just being honest here when I say that I struggle to completely understand Jesus’ meaning here, although I do see instances when he taught his disciples that if the people rejected them that they were to brush the dust off their feet and to leave and to go someplace else. And I see where Jesus and his NT apostles did that sometimes, and sometimes they continued to speak the truth to those who rebuked them and who fought against them and who mistreated them.
And then there are all those Scriptures which tell us not to be afraid of what men might do to us, but that we are to keep sharing the truth of the gospel even if we are mistreated in return. So I don’t believe that the Scriptures consistently teach that we are not to share the gospel message with those we know are going to reject it. I mean, think about how Jesus sent out his prophets to the people knowing full well that the people were going to reject them and their messages, but God continued to send them, regardless.
Sometimes the Lord sends us to people who he knows will not listen now, but because his word will not return empty, but it will fulfill the purpose for why God sent it. For we don’t know people’s hearts and how God might be using something we say now that they reject now, but that may come back to them later and the Lord will remind them of it at a time when they are ready to receive it. So what I am saying is that sometimes the Lord says shake off the dust and leave, but not always, and not in all cases.
So my thinking on this, anyway, based on my understanding of what the Scriptures teach on this subject, as a whole, is that if the Lord leads us to speak truth to someone, we should speak truth to that person, even if he or she is a “dog” or a “pig.” Because Jesus died on that cross for all of us, and he died to deliver sinners out of their sin, and God can change anyone. Look at Paul, for example. He was a persecutor and a murderer of Christians before Jesus changed his heart and made him one of his apostles.
Thus, I believe we just need to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in this. There have been people in my life who have rejected the words of the Lord coming from the Scriptures that the Lord had me share with them, and the Lord said to leave and to go someplace else. Other times he has said to remain and to keep on speaking the truth and to keep believing him for the salvation of human souls and to not give up hope just because I have not yet seen good results. And I believe God will give us wisdom in this.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12)
“But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death.” (Luke 21:12-16)
“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:24-28)
Why Are You Afraid?
An Original Work / December 5, 2013
Based off Various Scriptures
Do not be afraid.
Your Lord is always by your side.
Serve the Lord in righteousness
Before Him all your days.
Those who hate the light
Will not come to the Lord.
They fear their deeds
Might be noticed.
So, they hate the light,
And they embrace the night.
Do not be afraid,
Although your enemy attacks.
Dare to share your testimony
Of God’s saving grace.
Do not fear their threats,
But honor Christ, your Lord.
Be prepared to give an answer
For the hope you have,
With gentleness; respect.
Why are you afraid?
For all that’s hidden will be shown.
What I tell you, speak in daylight.
Let the truth be known.
Do not be afraid
Of those who’ll take your life.
Fear the Lord with understanding.
Trust Him with your life,
And give not up to strife.
Do not be afraid.
Take courage, it is I, your Lord.
Bow before Me; now adore Me.
Oh, why do you doubt?
Listen to the Lord.
Get up and bear His name!
Run and tell the world He loves them.
Jesus came to save.
Give Him your all today.
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