To all other Christians which do you think is more important word or example?

Question

I want to know which you think is more important when it comes to letting others know about God and Christ and your faith. Should we concentrate more on words or examples? I think personally that examples or actions speak louder than words. Too many of us preach but don't teach and most people are hands on learners. You have to show them. Personally preaching is one of the things I didn't like about the Protestant church. Too much yelling. I prefer the Homily which is more of a talking about scripture and not yelling at us. To each his own.

I got the idea about preaching from growing up. I was raised Baptist and I have attended other churches. All that I went to except Catholic yelled and pointed accusations.

Answer 1

I say example definitely. I could, or anyone could, talk scripture till we're blue in the face to a non believer and it wont ever click UNLESS, they see the Word come to life in me.

Answer 2

I definitely agree with you on example. 1 Peter 2:21 says, "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps." Another good verse is Hebrews 12:1-2. These are all examples that we as Christians have to shine to the World around us. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt. 5:14-16). Jesus even called James and John "the Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17) because they talked too much. Even as everyday humans, we lead by example. My little sister always wants to be just like me!
So I think it is definitely more walking than talking. I forgot who said this quote, and I don't even know if I haave the whole quote right, but it is a very good one- something to the effect of "Speak, but very seldom use words."
Hope that helps!

Answer 3

I have never been able to convince someone to follow Christ with my words. Perhaps it's just not my gift lol.

What I find works the best, for me anyway, is when people see my life and begin to know me. They, for some odd reason, want to be like me lol. I'm always asked why I'm so calm and happy most of the time, why I always seem so confident and unafraid. I get asked a lot why my kids are so well-behaved and seem to be normal, whatever that means lol. Sometimes I find it a bit disconcerting to see people so obviously studying me and how I handle things, but I guess it's part of being a Christian woman in modern times. I've had women at playgroups and play areas ask me what program I'm following to get my kids to act so well! lol I usually just shrug and say I follow God's Word as best I can, but sometimes even the mention of God makes them back off.

Yeah, I guess I'm like you, actions speak louder than words.

Answer 4

I believe they go hand in hand..If you lead a good example, then people will come to you b/c you are different and want to know why. That will open the door to witness and share the word..Although I agree on all of the yelling...I go to an awesome church where the pastor believe in teaching us how to live a victorious life. We all know that we sin and we know what those sins are. We dont need someone up there yelling at us telling us what we do wrong, but how to overcome our weakneses and live a prosperous life.

Answer 5

The most effective witnessing tool is the life we live in front of others. So example is more important. This is what makes people come to christians and ask relevant questions. Then the word will speak to them.

Answer 6

I agree with you. Example is more important than word. If I told you how to act, but didn't act that way, I'm going against my word and then you'll think I'm a hippocrit and then you won't take any of it seriously when I'm trying to tell you about the scripture. That's just an example.

Answer 7

I am with you! I think that before you preach the word you should live it. I know every one is not perfect but I think that if someone who goes around preaching the word and then deals badly with someone or steal, cheats or other things that he should not be out turning those away from religion, who look at his example.

Answer 8

In the Bible it says to preach . Both are required because faith without works is dead . 2nd Timothy 4:2 We should follow all of God's commands in the New Testament . God bless you

Answer 9

Debra,they are of equal importance.When one studies the word,one begins to act in a more Christ like manner. We do not change without the word.The word also gives us the confidence to speak to others about Christ.So.... others need to hear the word from us and see its results in our lives and the only way to accomplish that is through study of Gods word.

Answer 10

You should do both. Teach by word of mouth and by example. I can't imagine where you got the idea that all Protestant churches have screaming and yelling preachers. We have mikes and speakers in our church so we can hear the preacher.