Believers, serious answers only?

Question

I have come to a dead end. Today I had an epiphany, and am literally almost in tears. I see the pain, the violence, and the belief in false gods in this world. I see people mocking religion, and I am scared for them.

But I don't know how to actively share my faith. This gift is something I want everyone to be able to recieve, and people seem so willing to cast it away in an instant.

Do you preach openly to others? How? Sometimes I want to, but get scared and nervous. What I want to say just won't come out.

I am a Christian, Lutheran to be exact, and I am very proud of my faith. I just want to show others this salvation as well.. I'm not going on a converting spree. That's not what I'm trying to do, as I already know it doesn't work too well like that - people aren't receptive. I want to share my faith in a non-confrontational way.. not. Believe in God or go to hell you heathen!!!! that's just ridiculous. thanks for your help.

Answer 1

Hi Barbara! I believe all Christians face this dilemma at one time or another. I actually "preach" more on Yahoo here than anywhere else it seems! Sharing my faith to others is something I do whenever the opportunity presents itself. I look for openings, questions that come up, conversation starters etc. The biggest thing in telling others is to be sensitive to the other persons "readiness" to receive. Many people don't want to hear it and are not ready to receive what you have to say. The Lord will let you know when the time is right and what they need to hear in that moment. The battle is won or lost in the prayer closet. Pray for all those you may come in contact with that God will prepare their heart to receive the message. The greatest witness is you yourself. How you treat others, respond to life and all its ups, downs, and in-betweens. How you handle stress and how you treat those around you. They will sample your spirit before they will receive your words. Be like Christ, speak what Christ says (His words are more powerful than ours) when asked, and leave the rest in God's hands.

Answer 2

Usually, I wouldn't give a question like this more than a glance, but something in your words has drawn me in.
Firstly, "believers", a beautifully fragile word, does not only apply to whatever religion you are coming from. Through from your name and phrasing, I can surely guess, but I would prefer to give an open answer. To empathize with suffering, violence, is never easy, and if you think you really have something, something to help others, be it words or an idea or just a drive, you should not abandon it, especially because of indecision.
Is faith the best way to help people? Is there something in faith, or in organized religion, in both or maybe something entirely else that signifies the human? What suffering, specifically, calls to you the most? Is it the concept of false gods, the negative misconceptions surrounding paganism that stirs you? I guess what I can only suggest that you find the cause that speaks to you the strongest. You are only one, but even one person can do great things. If you are dedicated, find your cause, and if one struggle is not enough for you, then move on from there. But the main challenge is to go from the abstract, the idea of "evil" or "suffering" and find the real person who needs a friend, the real situation that you might be able to improve.
Not to deter you, but I would also dare to say that the greatest mocking of religion is apathy and inaction, not other systems of belief or disbelief. If you claim a belief, put it into action for the good of others. Ask yourself, is preaching the only good you can do? Is that the greatest good you are capable of? Does good also accompany preaching? What form should progressive, empathizing action take? How can you help people without belittling them or offending them? These are the more naturalistic questions I would wish to direct to you.
Please do not take any of this as an attack, I am merely trying to expound upon your question in a more culturally sensitive way.
Now, for ideas that may seem disenchanting if you are convinced you hold a master plan, but are meant only as possible directions to move away from abstraction and for you seek your own, real answers. Volunteer work usually allows for you to become involved in situations where people need your help. If you want a bigger project, why not look into the Peace Corps (if you are prepared to be tolerant and understanding towards other cultures, which will usually involve a religion different from your own). If you are adamant about a specific religion as a means for good, ask your local religious leader for advice; many churches participate in community projects. Start small, work up as your ideas build.

Answer 3

I'm not an evangelical, nor am I a mainstream sort of Christian so I'm not sure how much value you'd give to what I have to say.

Well, anyway, it seems to me that the best way to share your faith is to live it everyday openly. Living your life openly doesn't mean proselytizing everywhere you go. You don't need to brow-beat people with a Bible to share your faith. People will see how much you care for others when they see you helping people in whatever way you can. They'll see that when you are troubled that you have your faith and your relationship with God that helps you though it. And when they are ready to hear what you have to say they'll simply ask you.

But you must also realize that for some people God may have other things in mind, not everyone is meant to travel the same path that you have. We each have to travel our own, and they won't all be the same.

Answer 4

Here is a passage of scripture that should comfort you:

Matthew 13

The Parable of the Sower

1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 He who has ears, let him hear."

We are the sowers & the word of God is the seed. We cannot be responsible for the quality of soil the seed falls on. We can only be responsible for sowing. I'm not great at speaking in front of people. We aren't all called to preach. I can tell you this though, I've been in your shoes and the times I have worked up the courage to speak I have been pleasantly surprised by the reception I received. If you are reaching out to people out of love and concern they can see that. That doesn't mean everyone will respond in the way you would like but the seed has been planted. You can also use this forum to reach people or perhaps God has another calling for you. Can you sing? Join the choir. Do you like babies? Work in the church nursery. We aren't all called to save the world but each person has his/her own job to do. I'm praying God will show you His will for your life.

Answer 5

Your most likely a christian, so I will tell you this in a christian way.
1) What you need to do is be assertive, but please, don't shove it down peoples throats.
2) Get other friends of the same beliefs with you, go out and tell people staight up, that your (Your religion here) and very proud to be it. It kinda catches them off guard.
3) Throw some facts in there. If you finally get someone listening hard-core, don't just spout verses, because if there not of your religion then they won't understand a thing. Give them the facts, the meanings, and then the verses.

Answer 6

What you should do is share the love of God openly with all people. Don't even concern yourself with what to say to others. If the opportunity presents itself, then God will give you the right words. But if it doesn't , don't worry. In a world full of pain and violence, a person with the love of God in her heart is a shining light. Just be a candle that shines and pray for others to see the light.

Answer 7

Personally I am an atheist and I am out of your problem but I admire your choice. I also admire your belief and thought for preaching for god. Yeah it's true - when some theist come and preach me about god i laugh and do all those stuffs. but inside my very heart, I appreciate his devotion. Just like that i can suggest to go on your way. Don't be afraid of anything you haven't done wrong. Go preach 'em all . The most terrible thing they will do is turn you down. Don't take it personal and go on again.
I hope yo will be successful of what you want.

Answer 8

The most powerful way of sharing your faith is Living it!
If you life as a caring loving being and someone asks you why are you like that you tell them that you are living what you believe and briefly share what that means.
contrary to what the God Squad aggressive Evangelical set thinks Converting is not something you do to other people it is something they chose to to
as in counseling one can give advice to another thousands of times- and nothing happens
if they tell themselves the same thing once change will take place
Faith is the other persons choice
you can draw to your Faith by living it

Answer 9

Firstly, congratulations on finding a faith that you agree with.

Now, for the question, as someone on the other side, I'd like to offer my opinion: please don't preach openly, if by that you mean during casual conversation. There's a time and a place for religious conversion (or attempted religious conversion), and if you know people you want to convert, that conversation will more-than-likely come up eventually. However, if you're talking about attempting to preach your faith outside of theological conversations, I'd frown against it. It'll turn people away from you, probably.

Now, that's not to say don't express your faith. There's nothing wrong with letting people know you're proud of your religion, but when you attempt to convert people blatantly, you're more likely to make them uncomfortable.

Once again, though, congrats.

Answer 10

First prayer changes things. God said that he will give you the desires of your heart. If you desire is to help people find God, God will equip you to do that. He said he will never leave you or forsake you. Secondly, just began to talk to people about what God has done for you. Share your faith and tell them the things he has brought you through. You don' t have to "preach" to them instead try to "teach" them. God bless.