Brush you shoulders off.

When I was an atheist, I used to argue on the internet.

There was one particular priest I enjoyed showing what for, accusing him of being a patriarchal disgrace to society who was somehow single-handedly thwarting the beautiful progression of feminism.

If someone had asked me why this was my favorite pastime, I would have, of course, said for the good of humanity.

But after a ton of soul searching, I know differently now.

I was bitter.

I was angry.

I was suffering on the inside.

And sometimes the “best” medicine we know is to release those demons out into the world without even recognizing it.

Or maybe we do, and we just don’t care.

Either way, it’s taught me a lot about sharing the Gospel.

If somebody’s heart isn’t open to receiving, it’s not my job to argue with them until I’m blue in the face.

Jesus Himself told the disciples to dust their feet off when the Message is ill received:

And if the house is respected, give them your good wishes. If it is not respected, let your good wishes come back to you. Whoever does not receive you or does not listen to what you say, as you leave that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. For sure, I tell you, it will be easier for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day men stand before God and are told they are guilty, than for that city.

I like to get a little more Jay-Z with it, brushing my shoulders off when met with obstinacy and moving on my merry way.

Because here’s the thing: when I was an atheist, nobody could tell me anything.

I was smarter than you. I was better than you. And you were an idiot. The end.

It wasn’t until Jesus showed me the demons inside my heart–the ones that led me to alcoholism and suicidal ideation–that I clung to Him.

So, our role as believers? To share the truth through our words but even more importantly, through our actions.

And when someone refuses to listen? Move on and pray for them.

And I mean it. Pray for them.

Because as Jesus said, they don’t know what they do.

And I, for one, can vouch for that.