My mom is very serious when it comes to not wanting a bible in her house. She also does not want to discuss religion at all. (she claims to be agnostic) She has cancer and it is very bad. I am scared that she will not open her heart to find Jesus before it is too late.
also, my dad has a heart problem and he and her fight constantly. it is hard to be around them. Every time I go to their house it is uncomfortable and tense to say the least.
My brother and i never got along- so we just dont talk at all.
Is it possible that they will one day find it in their hearts to love as God intended or am i better off avoiding all spiritual talks and keep all visits short and pointless.
Maybe it is me and they are right ?
Please help me to understand where i am supposed to go with this, and if i should avoid communication all together to keep the peace?
2006-09-22 04:42:18 · 29 answers · asked by tbaby 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
thank you all for your answers!! i have chills all over and feel extremely inspired and blessed. There is no better feeling- God Bless.
2006-09-22 05:00:51 · update #1
I'm sorry for the situation your family has put you in. What is the bible to her, like Holy water is to satan?? She'll burn if she gets too close to the truth? You are right in staying with God. Your family is the ones that are wrong. If your mom doesn't want to talk about religion then you should respect her wishes. I would just tell her that if she ever wanted to know about what you believe about God and the bible, to just ask, and leave it at that. Only God can convert a person, not us. If it is God's will that your family turn to Him, then that is what will happen. The important thing is that if they wanted God in their life they know they can talk to you about Him. They'll do it when they're ready and not a moment sooner. I hope you have some kind of support group to help you through this time. You're going to need a shoulder to cry on and for comfort. Someone who has the same beliefs and knows what you're going through.
2006-09-22 05:00:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hi there,
I really like this question because it hits on a very deep issue. Obviously, if you can save someone from suffering or danger, then in most situations it is the morally right thing to do so. However, what if the person you want to save doesn't want saving? Or doesn't think he or she needs to be saved in the first place? What do you do? Do you respect their wishes, or do you struggle onwards because you feel it's in their best interest?
First, Christians aren't the most popular people nowadays. They've acquired a nasty reputation for being pushy, judgmental, hypocritical "Bible-thumpers" who try to force their beliefs on others. That stereotype was very common in my high school, where openly Christian students were often disliked by their classmates, simply because everyone assumed they'd fit the stereotype. But that was okay; many of these Christian students simply formed their own groups and had other things in common - like all being in the school orchestra and loving geeky things like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings.
I was about 17 or so when I started hanging out with one of the Christian groups - I'm Jewish - every once in awhile, because I was also involved in the music department. At first I was wary - weren't these the people everyone warned me about?
But to my surprise, they're weren't. They were kindhearted, fun-loving, childish (in a good way - like being able to enjoy sidewalk chalk and fingerpaint while complaining about teachers) and respectful. They never once discussed Christianity with me - and they were pretty knowledgeable about Judaism, too! I soon realized I enjoyed their company more than my atheist and agnostic set - they simply seemed to hold their friendships in higher esteem.
I'm not saying that they were nice *because* they were Christian, just as many people aren't mean *because* they are Christian - simply that Christians come with all different personalities, and this group of Christians had a general personality much different from the stereotype.
My point is that if you really want to show your family how amazing Christianity and the word of Jesus can be, you've got to use that old actor's tip: "Show, don't tell." In other words, it's a million times more powerful - in fact, sometimes "telling" just makes everything worse - to show how great a religion is by living that religion's best parts - through love, acceptance, respect, and so forth.
The truth is, you may never know if your family will love God as you do, but telling them about God will convince them just as much to be Christians, as an atheist telling you about no god would convince you to be atheistic: probably not at all!
So I suggest rather than focusing on the "dirty details" of Jesus and the faith, you focus on the qualities he admired and had - loving your parents, accepting everyone for who they are, and caring for them in a way that will actually work (that being a way they will be receptive to!).
And finally, always remember that you can't pick your family. If you get frustrated, take some time to be by yourself and relax in peace. Also remember that not discussing God doesn't make a conversation shallow - try instead to understand and come to love these people, who like you, are so flawed, struggling, and just trying to get through this thing okay.
Best of luck!
2006-09-22 05:05:56 · answer #2 · answered by ghost orchid 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes tell them or when & if something happends before they pass, you'll regret it forever. I had a similar situation with my dad. He also had cancer & was not a beliver. I prayed for an opportunity to share the gospel with him with no interruptions, which was next to impossible. But it happened, I ask if i could talk to him and he said yes. Now we had never had a close relationship so it was not easy for me, but he didn't have alot of time left. We talked over 3 hours, a short time later he accepted the Lord & was baptised. He died a short time later. I thank the LORD for waiting for my dad to know & accept the truth.
I'll pray for you too, that you will get the same opportunity to share you faith. Lord bless you
2006-09-22 13:47:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Love them just the way they are. Be the best daughter and sister you can be. Continually pray. Remember that Jesus wants them to be saved even more than you do - He is the one who died for all of us. Answer when asked, but do not 'push'. Keep the faith. That isn't as easy as it sounds. I was the only one saved in my family for a LONG time. It could take years. But regardless of what they do or don't do outwardly - God looks on the heart. You are not the judge of their eternal destiny if they pass away. Continue to set a positive example and pray, pray, pray!!!
2006-09-22 04:49:11 · answer #4 · answered by Char 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You've done your best and your family have made their decisions. They will find God one day,but it has to be their way. Don't stop your visits,your parents need you more than ever now,just keep the conversation away from religion. You can't change their way of thinking,and it would only cause more arguements. Say prayers for them and ask God to enter their lives. Good luck
2006-09-22 04:50:48 · answer #5 · answered by Taylor29 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well it sounds like you have a great many issues to deal with. I am sorry for the strife that seems to be your life, I can truly identify with it.
Your most important priority is to live for Christ, no matter what anyone else is doing, you follow the cross. What it comes down to is it is THEIR choice. God gave every person on Earth a free will. I understand that you love them, and desire that they accept Christ. I know that the Enemy will use whatever tactics he can to get you to turn away, but don't allow that. You continue your journey with Christ.
2006-09-22 04:51:25 · answer #6 · answered by heresyhunter@sbcglobal.net 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that you should pray and God will give you the opening to talk to them.. Yes you need to keep working on them we all need God... I will pray for you also.. I am sorry to hear of the health problems.. I hope that you will ignore all the comments from the people on here who are against God.. He is a good thing..no matter what some might tey to tell you..
2006-09-22 04:45:29 · answer #7 · answered by Jessica M 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I personally would not give up. I would keep praying for them. You might be the only way these people will find God. It's our job as Christians to tell others about God. Just think if God gave up on us where would we be? I don't think God wants you to give up on them. They may get upset with you now, but in the long run they will appreciate it when they make it to heaven. So please don't give up! And I will pray for you and your family.
2006-09-22 04:50:03 · answer #8 · answered by ANGIE 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, don't beat 'em over the head with Christ, instead, do as the Disciple John tells us to do....PRAY FOR THEM TO COME TO JESUS. Pray for God to make their hearts to become soft and malleable so the Holy Spirit can come in and give a clean heart to them both. Turn them over to Jesus, and watch what He does.
2006-09-22 04:49:45 · answer #9 · answered by rasputin 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LIVE what you believe. Only God can change their heart, not you. Let your life be the testimony. As for visiting, prayer will guide you. Leave any motives out of it. Just do it because you love them. God will do the rest. Have faith dear heart.
2006-09-22 04:48:43 · answer #10 · answered by ChinaCat Sunflower 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋