Portray Christ's love through actions to non-believers or to push the word down their throats? That is the question of the night. I am going to try to not poke judgement at anyone, but a few people who may read this will know who I am referencing.
This past weekend we went to a party for Hubby's uncle's birthday. It was a really nice gathering, some people we knew and a lot we didn't. But that was ok. One family member in particular has a tendency to be preoccupied on converting non-believers. Now, in general I don't have an issue with trying to convert people to a faith. But it is one thing to repetitively push down the facts of the bible down peoples throats and tell them that they are going to hell if they don't believe, and another to show christianity through your actions.
Ok, so maybe I need to give my view of converting people here. And religion in general. I will freely admit I have back sliden in my beliefs. I am not as strong a christian as I was in college, when I first got saved (or accepted Christ into my heart (whichever one you prefer...)). I know what the bible says about going to hell if your not saved. I also know what the bible says about being a friend to the friend less, helping the helpless and so on. In my personal view (which some people may not agree with, and I am ok with that... but just hear me out) you can be whatever faith you want to be. If you believe in a higher power-great! If not, I can help you understand a little more the christian faith, but I don't want to force anyone to believe something. You need to feel it in your heart. Also just because you don't "visually" practice (go to church, etc.) doesn't mean a person doesn't believe. I have become so much more understanding of people and their faith's over the years. I personally went from not really knowing whats out there but being raised catholic, going to catholic HS, celebrating catholic "rituals" then going to college and finding out you can have a personal relationship with Christ. Was never taught that in catholic church. In college became "born again" (I don't exactly like that term) and was baptized as an adult into the faith. I have been practicing the bible believing christian faith since then. But ultimately if you tell me one day that your Jewish or Islamic or Mormon I will say ok and be the best friend I can be to you.
I think the best way to "convert" someone to the faith is to be an example. To show Christ's immeasurable love. To just be a good person. I am not sure if this made sense to a lot of people. But this has been on my mind of late. Also just because it is really hard to enjoy the holidays and such with this person because you can't just celebrate. If it's family gathering time it is "unclean converting time." Which saddens me. Hubby hasn't really been able to just have fun or hang out with this family member because every time we are in the same place with this person it is share the gospel and convert time. Ok my rant is done.
No comments:
Post a Comment