The Wisdom and Kindness of Serpents (Matthew 10:16-20)

Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Matthew 10:16‭-‬20 ESV

What does it mean to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves? Well, one thing it definitely doesn't mean it's to be venomous and offensive. If you are living a life in the footsteps of Messiah Yeshua, the world will hate you. But the people of the world aren't necessarily your enemies. They are under the sway of your enemy; their minds are held captive by someone who hates them as much as he hates you.

Although some people can never be reached, most people can be swayed by simple persistent kindness. Be like Yeshua. Be prudent. Be cautious when appropriate, and be bold when appropriate. Most of all, love those who persecute you, because they really don't understand what they are doing.

From Jay Carper at American Torah (https://www.AmericanTorah.com).

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