Battle-Tested Grace: Responding to Criticism in the Trenches of Truth

“Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” — Colossians 4:6

I didn’t start this ministry to win arguments.

I didn’t start it to draw attention to myself, nor to tear down those with different theological perspectives—especially on non-salvific issues. I started this mission, Prophecy Recon, because I believe we are in the final moments before Christ’s return, and we need boots on the ground—watchmen and women on the wall—sounding the alarm, encouraging the Church, and equipping the saints.

Yet, if you’ve spent any time in the world of Christian ministry, especially online, you’ll know it doesn’t take long before the criticism rolls in.

• “You need to recalibrate.”

• “This is a complete abuse of Scripture.”

• “False doctrine—especially that Rapture nonsense.”

I could fill a page with similar responses I’ve received on Substack and social media. Some messages come wrapped in righteous concern, others come with sharpened arrows, dipped in sarcasm and delivered with no intention to edify. The temptation to respond in kind is always there. But we are not called to return fire with fire. We are called to respond differently.

The Biblical Mandate: Responding in Love, Not in Kind

Let’s start with what the Bible actually says. Scripture is not silent about criticism, especially when it comes from within the Body of Christ.

• “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1

• “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” — Matthew 5:44

• “Not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. — 1 Peter 3:9

• “ but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,” — Ephesians 4:15

• “ If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” — Romans 12:18

These aren’t optional guidelines. These are commands from our Commander. Christ modeled grace under fire, and Paul, Peter, and the early Church followed in His footsteps.

The truth is: You can be biblically right and still respond the wrong way.

So here’s my commitment: I won’t return your name-calling. I won’t engage in keyboard warfare. I won’t debate just for the sake of winning a point. If you disagree with what I write, that’s okay. I actually expect it.

But I will respond—if at all—with biblical love. Not the squishy, “love is love” counterfeit that’s being sold today. I’m talking about true, biblical love: the kind that builds up and prays earnestly.

Listening Before Speaking

We live in an outrage culture where every disagreement feels like a personal attack. But as followers of Christ, we must rise above that emotional reflex. James 1:19 reminds us:

“This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger”

When I receive critical comments, I try to practice what I call “Listening and Hearing.” It works like this:

1. Read it once. Let the initial reaction pass.

2. Read it again. Try to “hear” what the person is actually saying—not just the tone, but the underlying concern.

3. Step away. I’ll often close out the comment and walk away. I’ll pray. I’ll process. I’ll ask the Lord, “Is there any truth here? Do I need to clarify something? Is this an attack on me—or on the message?”

   
   

This helps me respond, if I respond at all, in a spirit of humility and grace. I’ve learned that not every criticism requires a rebuttal. Sometimes, silence is the strongest sermon. And sometimes, a simple “Thank you for taking the time to read my article” is all that needs to be said.

I say that sincerely. Whether someone agrees or disagrees, they still took time—time they could’ve spent elsewhere—to engage with something I wrote. For that, I’m genuinely thankful. And I pray that something—even a single phrase—might be used by God to point them to Truth.

Disagreeing Without Dividing

We are soldiers in a spiritual war. And yet, too often, we turn our rifles on each other over secondary issues. Dispensationalism, pre-trib vs post-trib, tongues, spiritual gifts, eschatological timelines—all of these are important topics. But they are not salvific.

And that’s where the enemy wins. He doesn’t always have to destroy us. If he can divide us, that’s enough.

“If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” — Mark 3:25

It’s not that we shouldn’t care about these issues. Of course we should. Paul was zealous for sound teaching (Titus 1:9), and so am I. But we must recognize the difference between contending for the faith and devouring one another.

I’m not going to spend my energy tearing down a brother or sister in Christ who believes in a mid-trib rapture. That’s not my mission. My mission is the Gospel. And if you are in Christ, that makes you my battle buddy—even if we don’t wear the same eschatological uniform.

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.” — Romans 12:10

Don't Take It Personally

To those in my position—whether you’re a pastor, a writer, a content creator, or just someone bold enough to share your faith online—let me encourage you: don’t take the criticism personally.

In most cases, people aren’t attacking you. They’re reacting to your position, your conviction, your stand for Truth.

Jesus said it would be this way:

“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” — Matthew 5:11

So don’t let it steal your joy. Don’t let it derail your mission. Keep your eyes on the Jesus. Stay grounded in Scripture. And let your critics see that no matter what they say, you are unmoved—because you know who you are in Christ.

A Call to Caution: Think Before You Post

This article isn’t just a response to criticism. It’s a call to action.

We, the Church, need to do better—especially online. We need to stop the careless comments, the sarcastic takedowns, the passive-aggressive theological snipes.

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” — Ephesians 4:29

Before you hit “post,” ask yourself:

• Is this going to build up or tear down?

• Is it seasoned with grace?

• Will it lead someone closer to Christ—or simply prove I’m right?

If you wouldn’t say it to a fellow church member’s face in the foyer on Sunday morning, maybe don’t type it at midnight behind a screen.

We are the Body of Christ. We don’t have time for friendly fire. There are lost souls out there, hurting people, a world spiraling toward judgment—and we’re arguing over timelines?

Wake up. Stay watchful. And post with purpose.

Final Word: From a Fellow Soldier

To those who continue to follow Prophecy Recon and my writings, I thank you. You may not always agree with me—and that’s okay. We are iron sharpening iron. But know this: I’m not here to tear anyone down. I’m here to warn, to equip, and to proclaim the soon return of Jesus Christ.

If you’re a fellow believer and feel the need to call me out, I invite you to pray first.

And if you're not a believer? I pray something I wrote might point you to the Savior who loves you. This world is on borrowed time. But there is still hope. His name is Jesus.

Let’s stop tearing each other apart and start locking shields. The battle is real. The time is short. The mission is too critical. Let’s move forward—together.

Stay Awake. Keep Watch.