Ignore the Scoffers

"Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires." - 2 Peter 3:3 NLT

The Bible makes it clear that the closer we get to Jesus’ return, the more “scoffers” will rise up against His purposes and His people. What is a scoffer? “One who mocks, ridicules, or scorns the belief of another.” In the Scriptures, scoffers are those who refuse to believe God and His Word, and who make it their business to ridicule His followers.

You would think that all scoffers would be non-Christians, but the sad truth is that they are often so-called “believers.” If you decide to believe God for a miracle – and you get it – these people are likely to belittle you and your blessing. They will try to use reason and rationale to convince you and others that it wasn’t God at all who answered your prayers, but that it was just a coincidence, or a commonplace occurrence. If you are not firm in your faith, these folks will have you doubting God’s blessings, and you will be robbed of future answers to prayers.

How should the Lord’s faithful ones respond to scoffers? The Bible tells us – “Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.” (Proverbs 22:10 ESV) The ideal way to deal with these “troublemakers,” as some translations call them (TPT), is to “kick them out.” (MSG) But when it’s not possible for us to physically distance ourselves from them, we can distance ourselves from them emotionally. We can resist talking to them about God and our faith in Him (Matthew 7:6), and we can keep them in our prayers. What we have to remember is that scoffers are usually miserable people. They hate to see other people enjoying the blessings of God, so they will do their best to spoil your faith. Don’t let them! Remember Scripture’s warning which says, “Don’t let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men’s thoughts and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said.” (Colossians 2:8 TLB)

The Bible says: “Though [the Lord] scoffs at the scoffers and scorns the scorners, Yet He gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance].” (Proverbs 3:34 AMP) The fate of scoffers is “condemnation” and “beatings.” (Proverbs 19:29 ESV) But those who are humbly dependent upon the Lord will receive “His undeserved favor” in the form of blessings, miracles, and answered prayers. I am proof of these truths, and so are countless others. Remember the featured verse above which says that “scoffers will come.” My best advice to you today is to ignore them!

Prayer: Lord, give me spiritual discernment to know who is trustworthy and who is not, where sharing personal details of my faith are concerned. Teach me how to keep a healthy distance from those who are out to harm me. When I do suffer persecution or ridicule because of my devotion to You, please comfort and console me, and remind me that “great is [my] reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:11-12) Thank You for the divine favor that shall be mine in the form of blessings, miracles, and answered prayers!

- J. M. Farro

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