How can Christians reach other people, without sounding harsh?

Question

I have a very hard time with this, since it wasn't that long ago that I became a born-again Christian...I remember what it was like to be approached by a Christian, and just thought they were critical and hypocritical.

I just want to know if there are ways to talk to people, and reach out to them so that they can really, truly see Christ in me, and I can help save them!

Answer 1

Sometimes the message seems critical, as it once did to you. Don't worry about that. Share the good news and share how accepting that news has changed your life. Let God do the rest just as he did in your own life.

The hypocritical part is more difficult. There is a very good reason Jesus spoke so harshly toward the hypocritical Jewish leaders. They give the word a very sour and bad name. Remember though, that all are human and all have sinned. You aren't expected to be perfect.

Basically what I would recommend is that you show them what he has done in your life and then let God do the rest. That is really all he expects out of you.

Answer 2

Well, I guess I'd be one of those people who you'd preach to. I would prefer it if you just told me about how being born again has benefitted you. I wouldn't want to be told that this is the only way to be in God's good graces or that if I don't, I will end up in hell. That is what I would classify as harsh.

You need to make people to be comfortable with who they are on their level and not in a holier than thou position where you're too good for them.

If you find somebody wanting your message, all you need to do is lead them to it. If you get somebody who is sick and tired of religion, you need to give this person lots of space and TLC.

Don't act like the Exorcist and scream at them or refuse to back down or use the Bible as a stick. If you are attacked, turn the other cheek. Accept that this is a cry of the person who's trying to restore their own peace of mind. You will only makes things worse by losing your temper.

Don't categorize people using Bible scripture. That really offends people. I ought to know. You won't always find people who agree with the traditional understanding of the Bible. Don't talk about armageddon. Talk about this moment in time. Armaggedon has been coming for thousands of years.

Personalize your message. Stick with the benefits of what you are offering. Don't mention being saved as fire insurance. That is for the people who are dying not for those trying to make a living everyday. Keep all the blood and gore out of your message. Simply, blood is life. This is it's benefit.

Don't emphasize how Christ suffered. That is like a guilt trip for some people. It is saying,"You owe him!" A real turn off! Jesus wants us to serve him because we want to; not to save our own lives or because we owe him.

Besides the cruxifix what has Jesus done for people lately? Many of us don't even believe in him anymore because we don't see him or hear him. Being in a church with a bunch of people talking to an invisible person can be disconcerting.

If I were you, I would de-empathize tithing. This is also something of the church that is not necessarily God's will Tithing is for those who are ready to turn their whole life over to the church.

Don't mention the devil. If you must, use the word, 'bad spirit'.Something all can agree with. Not everyone believes in the devil and don't want to start believing that everything bad that happens is caused by the devil. Sometimes there is no reason for what happens. We mustn't be superstitious right? When in Rome, do as the Romans do and you will reach more people. Good luck.

Answer 3

I find the best way to witness to people is to try and live a Christian life and let them ask me about it. Many people these days really don't like being preached at, and I believe that trying such an approach does more harm than good in the long run.

Answer 4

As a person who was a former Christian, I can relate to you how I was originally converted - and then on how I progressed in my beliefs past Christianity:

I was raised as a Catholic, but wasn't serious (Dad had a bad experience in Vietnam with the church), hardly ever went as a child, except for when I was attending a Catholic High School. When I graduated, I stopped attending mass in general.

Fast forward about 5 years, and I met a guy (we worked together) - he was probably the best example of anyone who embodied the spirit of Christ that I ever met - kind, giving, worked charity, never said anything bad about anyone. He never preached religion, never tried to convert anyone. Eventually, I became interested in his religion and started attending his church (Calvery).

He tried his best to explain all the contradictions in the bible, both OT and NT - sometimes he was convincing, sometimes he couldn't explain them well enough to satisfy me. Eventually, the more that I studied the bible, the more that I grew disillusioned with Christianity, and the more that I found myself learning about other religions.

Eventually, I ended up where I am now - Agnostic / Buddhist. We still take (we were transferred to different jobs in different states). I respect the man immensely for his knowledge and faith, even though his faith isn't for me.

As for you - I would recommend his way - become as Christ-like as possible, then let the people come to you when they are ready to learn.

Answer 5

Anytime we reach out to do anything with or for or to another person, if we do it with LOVE as our true motivation (not motivated to "save" or "convert" others), then we are reaching out for the right reasons. I think regardless of what the basis of our interactions with other is (whether it be witnessing our faith, or offering to help someone in a bad situation, or visiting a sick friend, etc.), if our ultimate motivation is love, that will be felt and responded to.

Please keep in mind that I am not a big evangelist - not my gift.

Jon M has a good point, wasn't it St. Francis who said "Share the Gospel with others. Use words only when necessary." May not be word for word, but it's close, and it's true.

Answer 6

You must live the Gospel in front of them. People will judge you more for actions and not what you say. Especially if your actions don't mesh with your words.
"At all times preach the Gospel, and when necessary use words." (Francis of Assisi).

Understand, you will not save them, but you can lead them to the One that can save them. Do not seek the glory nor the honor, just be content that you helped lead someone to the saving grace found in God, through His Son Jesus Christ.

Answer 7

I once reached a friend who no longer prayed. I didn't preach or anything, we just talked about it and somehow, something I said made him pray again.

The best way to reach people is on their level. Jesus said he didn't come here to condemn, but to save the world. So we should never be condemning towards one another.

Let Christ shine in you and it will come naturally.

Answer 8

If you truly have anything worth sharing people will come to you and ask you about it. Otherwise leave people alone - you know from experience how very irritating it is to have someone witnessing to you - especially if after much thought you have long since decided to ditch the whole Christian package.

Answer 9

It is always best to lead by example. Jesus was , as per the Gospels, a loving, accepting, caring person. Something one doesn't find often in Christianity today. Greed, intolerance, and indifference seem to be the agenda for Christians today. If they went back to what Jesus taught this would be a much better world.

Answer 10

Our church has a saying invest and invite. Christ invested in peoples lives. He loved them, He fulfilled there needs. Everyone has needs. Emotional, physical, spiritual etc. We can't just go up to strangers and say you need to know Jesus or you are going to hell. We have to love them. They have to see a difference between our life and theres. They need to know they are more to you than a number! They need to know that you really care. You can't strong arm people to Christ and expect a sincere "conversion" You can love them to Christ. After all God is Love! We have to be accepting of all people in all walks of life. That doesn't mean you have to agree with them or compromise your beliefs but you don't have to be judgemental and you can love them. Christ does. Start really loving people and ask God to give you opportunities to share your faith in simple ways and He will!!!!!!!

Have fun!