Smacking a non believer?
Q: Is it wrong to smack an atheist if they disrespect Christianity? I did it, I didnt mean to but they asked for it. I do feel bad but am conflicted that it wasnt wrong to do.
A: Is smacking them going to show love or bring them closer to God? No if someone doesn’t want to turn to Jesus that’s on them. You can respect their decision, but stress God is real, Heaven is real and Hell is real if you don’t get right with God you will end up in Hell
As a Christian if someone disrespects you (or your religion), you are supposed to show them kindness and love.
“But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matthew 5:39
This is basically saying you’re supposed to ignore someone who is rude or disrespects you.
Jesus sent the Apostles out to share the gospel and gave direction...
Matthew 10:14 "Whoever does not receive you or listen to your words, when you leave that town or village, shake the dust off your feet."
Mark 6:11 "And if any place will not welcome you or hear your message, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them."
But he also told us
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great.” Luke 6:27
Love your enemies, ignore them and go on your way. You have shared the gospel and revealed truth of God's Word. Perhaps they are seeds to salvation, or coals heaping their damnation for rejecting Him. Regardless share it in love. You have done your job as a messenger.
Even if they are atheist treat them kindly, don’t force religion upon them. God has a plan for that person. We as Christians are supposed to spread love and kindness, not retaliate rudeness or hate.
We are supposed to be gentle when we spread the word of God. Even when someone is a Christian and you are correcting them, you must be gentle and kind. While someone is not a Christian, they don't understand what they are doing when they slander Jesus/the word of God. It is because they are spiritually blinded. They are spiritually dead in that they are in their sin nature and God has not removed those blinders and has not given them spiritual life. It is only by God's "grace" that WE are saved, so we cannot act like we are better than others...we are sinners who deserved damnation for our sins against God too. But by His grace and mercy he chose to save us. That person might come to Christ tonight after thinking on the gospel you lovingly caringly shared, or they might be saved next year when another Christian speaks to them, or when theyre 70. Only God knows their eternal destination.
If you know the person or see them, you need to go ask forgiveness and apologize. Explain "you got upset because someone disrespected/slandered God. It was wrong to do. You are still young and growing in faith, but for either side violence is never right. But God's justice will take vengence if you dont get right with Him and I am concerned for you and all other people so I was a bit passionate in that moment. I will approach the issue with love and grace in the future."
You can say something like that.
Also the below resources can help you to share the gospel and grow in the knowledge to help you do that.
God bless
Resources:
Evangelism and Apologetics helps
Growing Believers Resources
