I can't be quiet-silence for me is not an option. I love people to much.?

Question

I hear people say that christians should keep their religion to themselves. However that's not what Jesus said to do and for me and many christians who see so many hurting people, it is not even an option. I know people say let your lifestlye lead people to christ and that is most defintely true. However there are those who you see at the bus stop, in the grocery store line etc. People who you may strike up a light conversation with. My question is a series of questions. What are some ideas of how to approach people about christ? If you saw someone visibly upset and could offer no physical assistance would you ask them could you pray for them? And for those who have had a bad experience with someone approaching them or telling them about Christ, how would you have prefer them to approach you or what would you have prefer for them to say. For ex. I have heard stories of people just flatout coming up to people and saying "you are going to hell". I know that would have turned me off.

Please dont forget I am looking for ideas of approach also.

So my question to those who feel it's disrespectful to talk to people. Do you also think it is disrespectful for people to try to talk to and help a brother who use drugs or to talk to a teen who is destroying her life or maybe telling a women being abused by her mate that she is worth so much more. All these situations are none of your business at times but it hurts your heart not to help especially if you have been in these situations. Well thats how I feel about Christ. He totally changed my life and I just want the world to know what I know. How is that disrespectful or arrogant?

Answer 1

You make a good point with your questions. Fortunately we all have our own gifts and therefore each one approaches a situation differently. the important thing is that somehow the message is communicated and ultimately that means speaking the Word somewhere down the line. I think many are too abrupt as you say and many lack patience and feel they have to "buttonhole" when what they need is to wait for the Holy Spirit to do His work. Most often a short non offensive statement at the approprite time accomplishes more than a lengthly unwanted sermon. But God does say "Preach the Word" and ultimately if they don't hear they can't believe.

Answer 2

Hi there Having a cat in most cases the identical as yours sounds to be (even our cat sitter has commented that he's whiney!) I'm sorry however I'm afraid I truthfully do not suppose there is a satisfactory deal you'll be able to honestly do! I believe it is extra a case of seeing if you'll be able to difference your notion of his whineyness (now not definite if that is a phrase however you understand what I imply!). Especially you probably have had him a while, for the reason that if that is so then this sounds to be in most cases his character. Sounds a little bit daft, I recognise, however we suppose of our Cliffie as a tom cat seagull (he's white and black, which is helping) after which the whining is particularly fun!!! Some have urged ignoring your puss whilst he is whining and lucrative him whilst he is not - this may increasingly good be valued at making an attempt for yours as all of them have such exceptional personalities. Having mentioned that, I can not even start to assume our Cliffie's response if we have been to move down that course with him! His primary "whiney time" is whilst he is available in via the cat-flap, or right into a room in which we're - and it is as though he is simply desperately looking to let us know certainly EVERYTHING that is been happening in which he is been, it is particularly particularly comedian and we continually say to one another, "Oh, if simplest we would talk Cliff!". Again it should sound a little bit daft nevertheless it could support you to suppose approximately whilst he's at his such a lot whiney - is it like our Cliffie, whilst he is simply are available and needs to "speak"? Or are there every other triggers? Just a notion. Going again to the character factor, a few have urged the whining is also breed comparable - that's valued at since, despite the fact that of path it does not support for the reason that it simply confirms that that's how he's! Hope I've been in a position to be of a few support. Good success!

Answer 3

Many people have strongly held religous beliefs. These often contradict with those of others. In order for society to get along, sometimes we all need to bite our tongues.

Asking someone if you can pray for them is ok. They may say yes and be pleased that you asked, However, if they say no, then you must respect their wishes. It is rude and insulting to pray for someone that does not wish it. You are not praying for them but yourself. They may or may not turn to their own God for support. Asking is enough of a reminder to some people that they have a religion.

It is better to keep religion out of relationships until you know someone well. After all, you need to ask them to accept you for who you are, as well as accept them for who they are. It's a two way thing.

Answer 4

My first encounter was while working in the New Orleans French Quarter as a teen. I got the hard sell from two young fundies while being a captive audience behind the counter at an ice cream parlor. To this day, that experience comes to mind when someone tells me they want to talk about their faith. I ask them politely not to, and if I don't, they get the p*ss taken out of them like never before. They asked for it by being rude and I don't stop until they are utterly crushed. I do not go around pushing my lack of belief on them.

But, they choose to push the issue and they are the ones letting the tiger out of his cage, so they deserve what they get.

Answer 5

people have the right to privacy. Just because you feel like they need your "help" doesnt mean they do. If I were in the situation you mentioned (and have been) I would find it extreamly rude for a perfect stranger to come up to me and start preaching about god. Mind your own buisness. If I wanted to talk to your god then I would go to a church. But seeing how I am a pagan I am turned away and ridiculed. We dont do that to people.

Answer 6

What you like to do is proselytize. Don't do that to people you don't know! We can't stand it. If we can't stand it, there's very little chance any thing you say will make a difference.

The bible is very questionable, despite what you've been told. There are errors and re-writes, and additions all over the place.

IF Jesus said that, I really don't think he meant to keep on and on and on about it. Right now, you are feeling very happy and you want to tell everyone how you got that way. That always happens when someone has a spiritual awakening. Never fails.

Please, talk about it ONLY if the subject comes up.

If you push it at people, it will only turn them off.

You have then failed. Think about that.

Addendum: Well, I see all the people who "believe" in every word in the bible, but have not truly studied its archaeological and cultural history are giving me the thumbs down.

Is that what Jesus would do? I think not.

Answer 7

If you love people so much why do you not respect them sufficiently to not force your views on them. I also think it is despicable to approach people when they are at a low ebb to preach, like a vulture circling - very unethical

Answer 8

What do you see when you close your eyes? And what about when you open them? How dramatic is the difference? We are entitled to our fantasies. Indeed, we really ought to see them as essential to our well-being. What's the point of a life without dreams? It's true too, that some dreams are best left unfulfilled. They are more enjoyable in the imagination than they would ever be in reality. Yet every so often, we have to get a little of what we want, if only to maintain the tantalising illusion that the rest might just be attainable.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~*~*~*~* *~*~*~*~*

Answer 9

That would be wonderful if people could share their views yet also meet views without being offended or react hostile.

Answer 10

Let me guess...You love YOURSELF too much, not God. Otherwise, why would you blaspheme on YA telling everone what a good, nice person you are. According to what you are saying, you are holier-than-thou and give christians a bad name.