Are you familiar with microaggressions? Subtle forms of prejudice, casual exchanges that are perceived as communicating derogatory remarks, whether intended or not. You might be a homophobe or transphobe, sexist or racist, and not even know it.
If a man corrects a woman’s behavior, if you ask someone what they are, make stereotypes of any kind, or say you’re color blind and see everyone as equal. These are examples of microaggressions, perceived slights that supposedly reveal a larger pattern of injustice. But it’s either making a mountain out of a mole hill, or making something out of nothing.
These aggressions only go one way. Someone can accuse you, but you can’t retaliate, or that’s victim shaming, which is a microaggression. See how this works? It’s a shame game with no end, where players think little of others and are driven by feelings and prejudice.
This is not how Christians should regard each other. The Bible says if one has a complaint against another, forgive. As the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Put on love with the peace of Christ in your heart. Let your speech always be gracious (Colossians 3:13-15, 4:6).
If anyone is teaching something different, they have an unhealthy craving for controversy and quarrels about words, producing evil suspicions and constant friction (1 Timothy 6:3-5).
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in a crooked and twisted generation, among whom we shine as lights in the world holding fast to the word of life (Philippians 2:14-16), when we understand the text.
