How should we be assertive with others?

1 Corinthians 4:14-16I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. So I urge you to imitate me.

Paul was assertive in addressing a number of problems in Corinth. His assertiveness was rooted in his love and relationship with the people as well as his sense of accountability before the Lord.

2 Corinthians 10:1Now I, Paul, appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ—though I realize you think I am timid in person and bold only when I write from far away.

1 Peter 3:15-16Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.

We should be assertive in living what we believe and speaking about our faith, but we should do it as Christ did, with gentleness and kindness. Christlike assertiveness is winsome, magnetic, attractive, sweet, and compelling.

Romans 14:5In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable.

Colossians 1:23You must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.

We should be assertive about our convictions. A personal conviction based on biblical truth will help us be assertive with others. Conviction is really believing with all our hearts. When we truly believe in the Lord, we will be convicted to speak about him.