"If the world hates you, remember that the world hated me first.?

Question

John 15:18 Fellow Christians..am I correct that this is prevalent in our society? If so, do you think we should live/act by example or "shove" our beliefs down our un-believing friends?

Answer 1

I don't think we should shove our beliefs down peoples throats. We need to demonstrate the love of Christ to the world by showing that love to others. But the world will lash out at us in hatred. Thus the importance of the church and having others who share in your trials. I definitely struggle with it daily, as it is so easy for me to give in to the ways of the world instead.

Answer 2

Personally, as a Christian, I feel that shoving our beliefs down our unbelieving friends throats is why they hate Christians, and I doubt that I'm wrong. Its why I dislike most other christians. The word Christian comes from "christ like" and most of us are NOTHING LIKE HIM. He let whoever believed, believe. If they didn't he simply walked on without insulting them. Why? Because he knew that if their hearts didn't accept him there was nothing he could do for them, so why can't Christians accept this too??? Leave people alone if they say their not interested. Muslims could kill EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN THE MIDDLE EAST and not come close to what Christianity has killed in the last 2,000 years. TRUTH. sadly :////

Answer 3

The best witness you can be to others is living a Christ-like life. Jesus never forced Himself on anyone. People were drawn to Him because of His spirit of love and the hand of God upon Him. God will give you an opportunity and the words at the right time if you just wait on Him and not try to do it yourself. Nonbelievers will feel the presence of God upon you and will either be open to it or be offended. Many times, the closer you get to the cross,the fewer Friends you have. Don't let that discourage you from the path God has chosen for you. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge Him,and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5

Answer 4

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
The key here is to answer when asked, not to push and shove.
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Again, to be forceful may start more conflict. One should always allow their actions to speak for them. Charecter and reputation are the things that should define you.
Matthew 10:16
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
This was the instruction of Christ... to use descression, not force. There is an expression that says ... preach the gospel at all times, and when ever necessary USE WORDS!!!
Matt.

Answer 5

we should live and act in a Christian way , but we should also try to lead people to Jesus . we should spread the Truth . Isn't that what Jesus did ? or did He just sit on a stump ? no matter what a Christian say about the Lord , someone is saying that we are shoving it on someone, even if you just say Jesus loves you , someone is going to say that . you know and that's OK because i can put up with what ever they say, but in no way will i shut- up when I'm speaking Truth. we as Christians , if someone is truly a Christian and not just someone that goes to a certain church , are to tell the Good News . (witness for the Lord). you ask about our UN-believing friends , what it your friend dies without you ever saying a word . how do you think God will feel about that ,knowing that it might have been you that lead him or her to Jesus , and that friend ends up in hell?

Answer 6

Yes, brother it is, and has been throughout history. No other faith has been as persecuted, except the Jews, as Christians. It is estimated that over 55,000 Christians world-wide this year will suffer beatings, imprisonment, loss of home and property, torture and death. I don't think any other faith can equal those numbers. As for me, I don't "shove" my beliefs on anyone. I tell the truth as I know it to be and leave it at that. If they accept it and want more, I will provide what I can and point them to Christ. If they reject it, it's their choice and I walk away.

Answer 7

Jesus wasn’t talking about forcing beliefs on the unwilling ... you seem to be taking the passage out of context.

Jesus was simply pointing out to his followers that they shouldn't be surprised that following the lifestyle of Jesus would make them unpopular.

On the other hand, there are other passages that teach that actions alone are not enough to spread the Gospel, words are necessary sometimes too (With gentleness & respect, of course). One needs to find a balance.

"Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words" ~St. Frances of Assai

Answer 8

Forcing people to believe something never works and almost always influences a person to run in the opposite dirrection. There is a difference in shoving beliefs down peoples throats and explaining your faith to them and giving people a choice. I agree with what you say.

Answer 9

I believe that we should witness to our friends and pray for them. Pushing things on them will not work. It just puts up walls. That does not mean though that we should live an immoral life. We still have to keep our testimony as Christians.

Answer 10

i dont think we shuld shove our religion down each other's throat i think that this is warning us that even tho ther will b times that we are discouraged and people hate us bcuz we'r christians its not bcuz of us satan is tryin to bring us down but if u have that close relationship with christ then he cant!!!