What should I do about him? Should I just leave it be and let him live his life the way he wants or should I try to save him? My brother is older than me by 5 years and he told me that as long as he's doing nothing wrong to everyone he knows, religion doesn't matter. I believe otherwise. What do you guys think I should do?
2007-09-09 14:18:18 · 42 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think that you should follow your own heart. He has his life and you have yours.
2007-09-09 14:23:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
It is a fine balance...the newer the Christian you are, probably the less you want to "preach at him" and the more you want to show the Fruits of the Spirit. You will need to preach with words on occasion, but as St. Francis of Assisi said preach the Gospel always, use words when necessary. If you recently turned from a hard life of sin, also be sure not to forget how recently you may have been doing things as bad or worse than anything your brother does. Many people get saved one day and the next start acting like, look at me, be as great as me because of what Jesus has done for me, this makes unbelievers sick. Just love them and live the life primarily. The Holy Spirit will open the door for witnessing. Invite him to events at church, but don't drive him crazy about it.
2007-09-09 14:32:00 · answer #2 · answered by Brian F 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, St. Francis of Assisi once said, "Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary". Very true. Your brother may be closed to the idea of Christianity right now, but hopefully you can set him a good example by trying to always be Christian in your attitude. Slowly he might just start thinking that Christianity really isn't that bad after all.
And don't forget to pray for him! God always hears our prayers!
2007-09-09 14:41:06 · answer #3 · answered by Catholicgal 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is great that you are concerned about your brother. The best thing you can do is live your life as a Christian and be the best example you can be for him. Be ready to talk to him - when he is ready, but in the meantime let God do the saving. That is God's business and He does it the best. Your job is to pray, and trust that God will do the rest.
Someone once told me that 'If it (in this case, your Christianity), does not mean EVERYTHING to you, then it will mean NOTHING to those around you. Let your brother see that being a Christian is the best and most important thing to you. You never know when he might decide to let it mean something to him.
Pray, pray, pray and trust that God will do the rest.
2007-09-09 14:30:29 · answer #4 · answered by Lofty M 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I knew of a certain Man that made the same statement; He died suddenly on a creek bank;
When a Believer looks back at Life,The Time he has used to draw close to God becomes the most Valuable;I would rather have ten minutes with God than a thousand outside,You can"t save Him,just live out Your Faith before Him,That is worth more than anything;
2007-09-09 14:33:26 · answer #5 · answered by section hand 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can't force someone to accept your belief so the best thing to do is set a good example and live a Christian life and if and when he has questions, answer them with brief responses, enough to make them think about things and hopefully, want to come back later to learn more.
I started going to church when I was 10 and was very involved in various works even as a teenager, thanks to one of the elders who saw we were included in things. My older brother and I never got along growing up (long story, bad home life) and after he caught his wife having an affair, he was very bitter on women. One day my aunt asked him if he trusted any women and after thinking, he told her mom and me.
He and I had never discussed religion but he knew I went faithfully and until she told me that, I didn't even know he paid any attention. Later, he met another woman and married and they eventually were immersed in baptism and became members of the church and remained faithful. I especially give thanks today because he passed away on 30 July at the age of 61 :(
We never know who is watching us so give it time and set the right example and continue to pray for him.
2007-09-09 14:39:01 · answer #6 · answered by KittyKat 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think as a Christian leaving him is the most selfish thing you can do. Would you want someone you care for to burn in hell for etenity? The people that say leave him are the reason the world is becoming a world of hate. The world is at war because of these same reasons. God is the answer to our problems and my grandfather proved that to me and he is now almost 90 and he is one of the most positive and caring guys even more than my own parents. The best way to help him is to show him how positive you are and how good your life is because of your belief in God. Dont listen to anyone who tries to sway you to the side of the devil. God say go into the world and teach my word. Do this and you will be rewarded. Our life is short so live it right. I am far from perfect but choose god for that reason. You remember the part in the bible where it says the path to hell is wide and the path to heaven is narrow? Well that is because most people will choose wrong and end up in hell. This is the truth as from the bible and evolution even scientifically does not add up but the landmarks from the bible can be found on the earth. Also think about the global warming? In the bible it says in the end the earth will burn up. Scientifically it is coming true. Take care and good luck in your life in Christ!
2007-09-09 14:30:43 · answer #7 · answered by Matt L 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
You should take your beliefs, roll them up in a nice little ball and STUFF them down his throat. Then you can be just like our friends the Muslims. Believe my way or die. Hasn't this religious crap ruined enough people, killed enough people and destroyed enough families. Have your faith. If believing in the fickle finger of fate and the one eyed, one horned, flying purple people eater makes your life better then believe. For those of us who perform the deeds that god gets thanked for, well I don't need your god and apparently your brother doesn't either.
Leave him alone. I would give a lot if the Bible thumpers I know would leave me alone.
2007-09-09 15:02:49 · answer #8 · answered by gimpalomg 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to show someone you are living the life of Christ is to WALK IT OUT. You can 'say' it all you want, but what your brother needs to see is your leading by example. If he sees that you are truly living for Christ, using your faith to work, to give to others, to show kindness and love, limiting your anger and reading your Word. People like him also need to realize (you can show him this in the Bible - Romans) that nothing we do in works is ever going to be good enough because it is not acceptable. The blood of Jesus was the cost that was paid for the sins of man and we can't 'be good or do good' without recognizing and accepting and believing that. We have to believe in our hearts and confess HIM with our mouths that God raised Him from the dead. THEN, the works we do are done as unto HIM, not unto ourselves. Teach him that.
2007-09-09 14:26:36 · answer #9 · answered by THE SINGER 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You can try, but it sounds like you have already, and you can lead a horse to water....
Every person has their own path to tread, especially when it comes to spiritual matters, be a brother to him always, but remember that you only have your conviction and faith that you are right, as there is no real proof for such things, so don't go the 'hard sell', know when to let it be.
2007-09-09 14:25:42 · answer #10 · answered by Taliesin Pen Beirdd 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Pray, pray, pray. God created the entire world - he can certainly bring your brother to know Him. Pray for him consistently each day and ask God to show Himself to your brother and make Himself real to your brother. In the meantime, don't preach to your brother. Just be a positive example of a Christian by how you live your life.
2007-09-09 14:26:19 · answer #11 · answered by ggirl 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋