A Hug Vs A Punch in the Face

A hug vs. a punch in the face—which one would you want? If you are being challenged in the arena of your mind by the enemy and you cry out for help, would you want a hug or a punch in the face?

This is something we need to work on as the Body of Christ. We’re the only army that kicks our wounded. Just look at those who have fallen—now look at how they’re treated.

In 1 Kings 19, the prophet Elijah had just defeated Jezebel’s prophets in a spectacular showdown and was fatigued—naturally and spiritually. He had a moment where he didn’t want to live. God told him to eat something and lay down. No doubt, God ministered to him to get him back up and on the front line. God didn’t reprimand him—He helped him.

Too old? Ok. Jesus in the garden—Jesus, God wrapped in flesh, knew what He had to do to redeem mankind and STILL cried blood and said, If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Sadly, many of you would’ve looked at Him in disgust and said, “Don’t you know who you are? GET UP!”

Tough love is not always the answer. Take a minute to find out where the discouragement is coming from. And if you have nothing nice in you to say—shut up. I mean that in the roughest way I know how. I’m tired of seeing it done to folk who are really struggling.

I myself have been told everything from “This post makes me uncomfortable” to “You don’t really know God.” The last thing a person needs in a storm is a bucket of water thrown in their face. I recognize these to be church folk who only know hard, unrelenting religion—because ain’t no way you can convince me they’ve met the Father and lack human compassion.

Sadly, we’re so accustomed to the Christian mask that any hint of humanity is met with hostility. See, when someone is transparent or vulnerable, it makes some uncomfortable because we’re told the lie that everything is sunshine and roses. We like the facade. This is why nobody can answer, How are you doing? in an honest way.

This also means that the image you created of the person is incorrect, and now they’re responsible for staying on the pedestal created by outside expectations.

If I can’t be real with people, who can I be real with?

I’m glad I reached out for help, if only for that hour. God heard, and He sent help because He knew I was drowning in that moment. That help came in the form of prayer, encouragement, emails, offers of counseling sessions, and even my very own post from years ago, reminding me of who I am.

This has to be said.

When someone is in need of a hug, don’t punch them in the face. It’s better to remain silent than to go on a self-righteous tangent about how you have never been discouraged.