By Evang Oladipo Oluwatosin
In the early Church, ministers of the Gospel bore persecution with grace, enduring mockery, slander, beatings, and even martyrdom for the sake of Christ. Neither Jesus nor His apostles ever called down punishment on those who offended them.
They prayed for their enemies (Luke 23:34), turned the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), and rejoiced in suffering for righteousness’ sake (Acts 5:41). The strength of their witness was not in their ability to retaliate, but in their refusal to.
Yet, in this present generation, we are witnessing a dangerous shift.
Some ministers, instead of following Christ’s example, are turning to worldly tools—threats, lawsuits, public shaming, even imprisonment—to silence those who offend or trespass against them. Whether the offense is real or perceived, the response is often swift and harsh. The result? A Church that resembles the world more than the Kingdom.
The Dangers of This Trend
1. Contradicting the Gospel Message
The Gospel is a message of mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation. When ministers retaliate, they undermine the very message they preach. It sends a confusing signal: that grace is good for the pulpit, but revenge is acceptable in practice.
2. Destroying Christian Witness
Paul rebuked the Corinthian church for taking fellow believers to court (1 Cor. 6:1–8), calling it a shameful failure. When leaders turn to legal or violent means to defend themselves, it brings reproach to the Church and confirms the cynicism of the watching world.
3. Breeding Fear Instead of Love
In spiritual communities led by such leaders, fear replaces fellowship. People are afraid to ask questions, raise concerns, or admit struggles, lest they be punished. This stifles growth and creates toxic, cult-like environments.
4. Hardening Hearts
Instead of leading people to repentance through love and correction, harsh responses harden the hearts of offenders. Instead of healing, there is hurt. Instead of restoration, there is ruin.
5. Usurping God’s Role as Judge
Romans 12:19 says, “Do not avenge yourselves, but leave room for God’s wrath.” When ministers take vengeance into their own hands, they step into a role only God should fill.
A Call to the Ministers
Servants of God must remember that true authority is rooted in humility. Jesus washed the feet of the one who would betray Him. Paul called himself the "chief of sinners" and bore in his body the marks of suffering for Christ.
We must return to the posture of meekness, even when wronged. Church discipline, where needed, must be redemptive—not punitive. And when enemies rise, we are to pray for them, not pursue them.
A Call to the Church
Do not celebrate leaders who crush opposition. Celebrate those who forgive like Christ. Hold accountable those who misuse power and exalt those who serve with gentleness, integrity, and love.
Conclusion
When ministers fight back in the flesh, the Gospel suffers, the Church weakens, and the name of Christ is dishonored. Let us rise above the temptation to defend our name and focus instead on magnifying His. For blessed are the meek, the peacemakers, and those who suffer for righteousness' sake—for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:5–10).
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