other people things like... "Do you know Jesus?" " Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?" or something along those lines? I believe in God and that Jesus died for me but I hate it when others ask those things. Isn't my relationship with God between me and God especially since He is the only one who truly knows my heart? Christians should not judge, right? So are they asking these questions based on their judgement of what you wear, drive, or look like? When asked this question I feel like saying " As a matter of fact yes I do, and it's between me and God. And how dare you assume that I don't." Seriously, does anyone else agree or can anyone answer this seriously? I also understand what witnessing for God means but there is a line between witnessing and judging.
2006-09-20 03:55:28 · 50 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I understand what everyone is saying here but what I mean is that it gets to the point to where it's intrusive. I love God 7 and Jesus but that doesn't give the right to be intrusive.
2006-09-20 04:06:46 · update #1
I understand what everyone is saying here but what I mean is that it gets to the point to where it's intrusive. I love God and Jesus but that doesn't give the right to be intrusive.
2006-09-20 04:07:46 · update #2
I don't think it is anyone's business what you believe in or don't believe in. I agree with you that it is between you and God. NO one else.
I have found that most people in religions do judge others. I think it is silly myself. I mean really, don't we all believe in the same God? Aren't we suppose to all be brothers and sisters? Why does everyone claim that their religion is the "Right" one? Why can't we all do what we feel is "Right" with God? God created us as individuals didn't he? I mean I know he will set me straight when I get there. I think if we all spent more time loving each other for who we are and not by what religion we belonged too, life would be a whole lot sweeter.
I am a Spiritual Teacher and Counselor, and I have many people who come to me because of another human who has hurt them and turned them away from God. Because of their actions. I feel it has been my job to lead this people back to God, and not through another religious cult claiming that we are the "right way and the only way."
Great Question and God Bless
2006-09-20 04:05:52 · answer #1 · answered by cinson1999 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There will always be obnoxious people who can offend by being very forward in their attempts to communicate. But, honestly, how can we find out whether a person is a believer without asking? As you said, we have to witness, and we need to know whom we should witness to. Even people who call themselves 'Christian' or wear crosses don't always have a relationship with Jesus. Sometimes they haven't been taught that it is possible.
When you find a new restaurant that you really liked, or see a great movie, don't you ask a lot of people "Have you eaten at..." or "Have you seen...". You're not judging their choice of entertainment, or being nosy, just wanting to share with them something that excites you.
I don't think the question judges. If you answer "no", and the person immediately says "You are an evil person who should burn in Hell for that!" then that might be judging. But, in the end, everyone is free to make their own choice.
2006-09-20 04:04:45 · answer #2 · answered by Iaean 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I feel it is intrusive because it is your personal decision. Nobody can make you believe one way or the other, and your actions not words is what truly shows if you are a Christian or not.
Some people have still forced their questions on me, even after I have told them I have been saved! It seems to be the type of person that is trying to make you join their religion (and way of thinking) and if anything, I tend to go the opposite out of annoyance!!
2006-09-20 05:32:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Typically, this question is asked as a way for the person to ascertain whether they should evangelize to you; it's a question asked out of a true desire to help that person find God. If the person being questioned answers in the affirmative, typically, the questioning ceases and the asker greats this person as a brother or sister in Christ.
With this in mind, I'm curious why you're defensive about this? Your relationship with Jesus is personal, but it shouldn't be secret. You should enjoy witnessing to others about what He's done in your life (please understand, witnessing is different than evangelizing). I suggest you do some deep thinking to ascertain the real reason(s) why you feel uncomfortable discussing your belief.
Peace.
2006-09-20 04:04:20 · answer #4 · answered by Suzanne: YPA 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
When someone asks me if I have a personal relationship with Christ I Say "thats disgusting." I'll tell you why Christians ask those questions. Because they think they are better than everyone else. Their self righteous attitudes makes them think that its up to them to save the world. If you ask a christian why they ask this he will respond "I am doing gods work." Meaning, I don't really care about your relationship with Christ. I just want brownie points with god. I walk away from these people. If they really cared about anyone, they would help the homeless instead of bugging people with their stupid questions.
2006-09-20 07:30:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jehovah's Witnesses never ask these questions, and Jehovah's Witnesses never judge their neighbors. Instead, Jehovah's Witnesses both witness personally and bear witness to others regarding God's personal name, his majestic personality, and Kingdom purposes. In doing so, they align themselves with Jesus Christ and the prophets.
(Isaiah 43:10) “You are my witnesses,” is the utterance of Jehovah
(Isaiah 43:12) So you are my witnesses,” is the utterance of Jehovah, “and I am God.
(Hebrews 12:1-2) Because we have so great a cloud of [Jehovah's] witnesses surrounding us, let us also put off every weight and the sin that easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, as we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus
(Revelation 1:5) Jesus Christ, “the Faithful Witness”
(Acts 5:38,39) Do not meddle with these men, but let them alone; (because, if this scheme or this work is from men, it will be overthrown; but if it is from God, YOU will not be able to overthrow them;) otherwise, You may perhaps be found fighters actually against God.”
Learn more:
http://www.watchtower.org/library/jt/index.htm
2006-09-20 07:59:51 · answer #6 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
IF you accepted Jesus as your savior, you have freely recieved a gift from the Lord that you are not to keep to yourself, but to go out and share with others, who were once lost the way you were before you obtained salvation. God wants us all born again Christians, and I mean all Born again Chrisitans to share his word and lead others to Jesus they way you were led before you accepted Him as your savior. If you do have a realationship with God, you would be so excited over it that you would be shouting it from the roof tops, and let everyone know you were born again. You would not want to keep that to your self, unless you are imbarrassed or ashamed of it. If that is the case, the question reamins.... Did you really accept Jesus as your savior or just say that you did.
To witness is not judging. It is sharing the word of God with others,and it is His word that convicts the hearts of those who do wrong, and that is what makes them feel guilty. Not the messenger who shared the word of God with them. Why are you so angry if you say you have a relationship with God? Jesus does not live in a hostile place. Where Jesus lives, there is love, joy and peace.
2006-09-20 04:13:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Your belief in God should not be a internal, defensive topic. If a stranger asks you that, I imagine their hoping you do say yes! Those that witness in that manner do not have the capacity to read minds, the old saying goes "you don't know til ya ask". I cannot speak for each person that asks that, some of their hearts may not be in the right place when they do, but as believers of God and followers of Christ, that simple question between brothers and sisters in the body of Christ allows us a impromptu chance for fellowship.
2006-09-20 04:10:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anthony L 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Hi, finally a question worth responding to. In short, it depends on HOW they are asking you. If you're having a pleasant conversation with a little old lady who's lived a long life and sees you as a daughter that we wants to pat on the hand and chat with and she looks at you with her aged and kind eyes and asks you kindly with genuine interest and regardless of your answer you get the sense even if she doesn't agree then she'll probably give her sage advice in a non PUSHY way. However, if your talking about people who run out of church with Bible in their hands scouting anyone to preach to then that is entirely different.
2006-09-20 04:06:19 · answer #9 · answered by LIVINGmylife 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well it's about context. Just asking those questions is fine, whoever asks probably wants to know and asking questions is the best way to find out. I agree with everything you said, our relationship with God or any higher power is individual, and not for anyone else to judge. Just asking the question though isn't judging.
2006-09-20 03:58:17 · answer #10 · answered by bobzyoda@sbcglobal.net 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋