Witnessing tips?

Question

Been having a little trouble witnessing lately, and the trouble is this: I have the opportunity to witness, but I never pay attention to detail or notice the seemingly average people as "lost" most of the time. What do I do?

When given the chance, I've brought four or five to Christ, and they all seem to be happy.

Another problem is this: I don't want to offend anybody or seem too "overbearing" (and yes, I seem overbearing) or impose my religion on them. As such, it's not brought up as often as it should be on a daily basis. Any advice?

Hey guy with Greek letters... stick your head out here and I'll sever it for you.

As to the rest of you schmucks, thanks a lot. You apparently fail to realize that WE'RE ALL HUMAN and we can't control overbearing. The dude with the avatar with glasses made some sense, but i disagree.

Katie - God bless you! You're a great and wonderful person :) i appreciated that

As you were. Jungle didn't have glasses. Sorry if this caused any of you undue confusion.

Carnac: I'm phony now, huh? Nice. Think you're so much better than the rest of us. Here's some words for you: "All are sinners and all fall short of the glory of God." Yes. All. That includes me and you buddy.
We're all sinners, and no, Jesus didn't call people bad names. But i bet you have, haven't you? You have. And yet you think you're so much better than average Joe.

Answer 1

Examine the word "witness". It seems to me that what most Christian call "witnessing" is really just reciting a canned speech. If you have really witnessed something interesting people will be eager to hear about it. If you're making vapid speeches people will recognize that for what it is.

---------------------
EDIT: Now the "Christian" witness shows his true colors. Whoever doesn't tell him what he want to hear he calls schmucks. Nobody insulted you yet you insult others. Do you think Jesus called people insulting names? Dude, you are the kind of phony that gives Christians a bad name.

Answer 2

Don't listen to the people who are bitter. My advice to you is to try to relate it to something they are talking about (do this when trying to start it out).....I have always been able to find the words because God speaks through me, He provides me with answers. Ask Him to do the same for you. You're doing a great job regardless of what the others say, I get the same feeling of being too overbearing at times as well. Don't worry about your impression on people too much, try to be very confident when witnessing, pay attention, listen to the person. Don't try and force anything but provide advice to the person and answer their questions to the best of your ability. I really hope I helped. Keep it up! I am so proud that you turned people over to Christ, that is great! God bless you and if you ever need someone to talk to you can always write me: [e-mail], take care.

Answer 3

Sparky,

It sounds like you have some pressure from others to "witness" as you call it. Perhaps you should think about the reason why you want to witness. Is it about making the conversion? Or is it about the person you are witnessing to?

If it is the former (no matter how much you feel God, or someone else wants you to do it) then the person you are witnessing to will feel poorly treated. You shouldn't just share your beliefs with others because it's the thing to do.

On the other hand, if it's someone you care about and you respect their individuality then they will appreciate your witness if it's done in a respectful non-pushy way.

It's like this. If you can witness to them and then they can witness their beliefs back to you and neither of you feel judged or preached to then it's good. Otherwise, you are creating bad feelings and you'll come off as more of a religious nut than as a true friend.

Answer 4

You ask:
>Another problem is this: I don't want to offend anybody or seem
>too "overbearing" (and yes, I seem overbearing) or impose my
>religion on them. As such, it's not brought up as often as it should
>be on a daily basis. Any advice?

IMO, the best witnesses for Christianity are those who really *show* how their faith has made a positive difference in their lives. They follow the commandments Jesus gave: to love their god and love others.

- They do NOT show this love by going up to others and suggesting that those folks are "lost" or "blind" for not believing in Jesus.

- They do NOT communicate this love by getting into a religious "discussion" which consists of "I talk about Christianity and criticize your religious beliefs."

- They do NOT show others that their faith is of value when they fail to show respect for others' religious beliefs.

As a friend pointed out some Christians who were doing a bad job "witnessing" to us:

>I don't dislike you. I dislike those of you who like to use your faith
> as a weapon, who want respect, but refuse to give that same
>respect to others. I dislike the behavior of those of you who call
>non-Christians "lost" or "blind," who cite Leviticus when preaching
> against homosexuals, but ignore Leviticus when asked about the
>kosher laws. I dislike the arrogant, smug attitude that some of
>you call "love," but which is not love by any definition of the word.
> I dislike it when you call people of other faiths "devils." I dislike it
> when Christians complain about the evils perpetrated by people
>of other faiths, while ignoring evils perpetrated by Christians, or,
>almost worse, when they sweep it under the "Oh, those weren't
>real Christians!" carpet.
>
>Again.. I don't dislike Christians. I dislike the behavior of some of
> them. If they would just follow Jesus' commandments to love
>G-d and to love others, then there wouldn't be a problem, IMO.

Answer 5

Don't fool yourself they always feel that way at first with a new fools paradise till reason and reality start to creep back into view .
Get real, the truth is out there. Try imposing some sense for your own good .

Answer 6

Stick your nose into other people's business and it will be severed.

Edit: you want my head? What are you planning on doing with it?
Mind your own spiritual path; this is what I was implying. You felt threatened... psychologically speaking, there is something you should address. I was speaking metaphorically, however... it appears you were not.

Answer 7

The best way to witness??

Keep your mouth shut and FOLLOW every one of the 10 commandments and the Golden rule - do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Thats the best way to witness.

KATHY your answer is excellent!!!