Bible scholars/Christians: When is the time to "wipe the dust off your feet" so to speak?

Question

I read Matt.7:6 and read the cross-references. "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before the swine, lest they trample them under your feet, and turn again and rend you." R-1) Acts 13:45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, CONTRADICTING AND BLASPHEMING. 46) Then Paul and Barnabas...It was necessary that the Word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing YE PUT IT FROM YOU, AND JUDGE YOURSELVES UNWORTHY OF EVERLASTING LIFE, lo, we turn to the Gentiles." R-2) Proverbs 9:7,8 "He that reproveth a scorner [One who scorns; a despiser; a contemner; specifically, a scoffer at religion.] getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked {wicked adj 1: morally bad in principle or practice [ant: virtuous]2: having committed unrighteous acts; "a sinful person" [syn: sinful,unholy]4: morally bad or wrong; "evil purposes"; "an evil influence"}

getteth to himself a blot. { A stain on one's character or reputation; a disgrace.} 8) Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee."
In light of these verses, when is it time to "wipe the dust off your feet" and take the gospel to someone else? I never noticed the part before that said they judged themselves unworthy of everlasting life when they refused the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Ideas please?

Answer 1

Excellent Scriptures ; Thanks for the reminder.

Sometimes we do have to wipe the dust off against them and allow God's judgment to fall on them.

Answer 2

This thing about wiping the dust off the feet is more appropriate for the times when the apostles were traveling from place to place. If they were not welcome, they were supposed to leave. This is also true today for people who go to preach to other places. In our everyday life, I think it's not about wiping the feet (or whatever the modern correspondent would be), but about not being preachy in the first place. It's a good thing to answer when people are curious, but otherwise a living Christian life would be a better preaching than all the words. Because what is the use of words when the others see our flaws? They will think our faith is good for nothing.

The thing about giving the holy things to the dogs is about the sacraments: giving baptism and holy communion to people who are not worthy, because it won't do them any good. Anyone should repent honestly before being received into the Church.

Answer 3

Look to Jesus answer to Peter. How many times are we to forgive some one?

There are many difficult things required of Christians. Your question is on one of the hardest. When do we stop trying to help someone and leave them to be tormented by Satan.

We should go as far as we can without harming our relationship with God. How long will you hold your child's hand hanging over a cliff or being dragged away in a raging river? How much pain would you endure? Use these images or ones that apply more to you to give you a meter.

I am sure you have read responses by people that seemed to attack you or were cold and calculated. These are all indicators as to what your responsibilities are.

If it is with family or dear friends that you really know fast and pray seek council from believers and ask them to do likewise. You will know, but look at the source below and above for that matter. God will never give up. Right to the very last breath God will be wooing that person to come home and choose life.

Answer 4

When you are not welcome in someones house to speak of the Lord. The Lord is compassionate, loving, caring and giving but He never pushed Himself on people. People thronged around Him. Only those that wish to open their eyes and long for truth will, otherwise you have a shouting match. This is against the Bibles teaching. No arguments over the Bible. That is why Jesus said agree quickly with your advisory. Paul said to shake the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.

Answer 5

I would say that you never actually give up on anyone. If it gets to a point that your speaking the gospel is angering or turning them off to Jesus, then that would be tthe time to step back and "kick the dust from your sandals", not to give up forever, and you can always pray for them with out them knowing. Always preach the gospel, but also always pray that what you are preaching is placed in your mouth by God and also that God would open their ears and give them sight to the message you are delivering.

Answer 6

If what you mean is in this forum, when should you dust off your feet - Before answering a question about God or spiritual matters, posed by an unbeliever, I try to discern if their purpose is to gain understanding or to trample pearls. This is done by reading some of their other questions and answers. If they tend to trample pearls, then wipe off the dust - don't answer.

Answer 7

Matthew 7:6 Commentary

Swine were unclean animals according to God's law (Duet. 14:8). Anyone who touched an unclean animal became "ceremonially unclean" and could not go to the Temple to worship until the uncleanness was removed. Jesus says that we should not entrust holy teachings to unholy or unclean people. It is futile to try to teach holy concepts to people who don't want to listen and will only tear apart what we say. We should not stop giving God's Word to unbelievers, but we should be wise and discerning in our witnessing, so that we will not be wasting our time.

Answer 8

Please never give up.But for the grace of God.You know that Gods mercy is from everlasting to everlasting.Love covers a multitude of sins.Love this person as long as God keeps them upon your heart.
Casting pearls before swine is telling things to people who will mock or scorns the things of God.Pray God give you wisdom.
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Answer 9

It is the priviledge of followers of Jesus Christ to sow and live as Jesus lived and to Love. We must allow Father God to reap in Jesus name. We should not involve ourselves or Our Lord in useless argumentative banter concerning our faith but have a willingness to declare it at any opportunity. It is difficult for us to know the sincerety of anyone's question, so choose as the Holy Spirit leads.

Answer 10

First of all hun, quit analyzing everything and going back and forth as you read. Just read, pray first and read. If the Lord wanted you to put all those texts together he would have put them together don't you think?

Wiping the dust off your feet refers to carrying with you evil or ill will from other places or people. It refers to letting go, walking away from things when you see they are not right or righteous etc.