trouble with judgemental nonbelievers...

[lissy]

AAUUGHH! whew... sorry, everyone, but this topic is not only where i want to post a question, but i need to vent some hurt, frustration, sadness, and even let go of a little bitterness. i recenly left another forum where my caring, and very NON-judgemental, NON "breathing down your neck" statements got me some harsh, rude answers. how do christians reach out to those in an honestly loving, encouraging way without getting my head chewed off? why are poeple so judgemental when they accuse US of being that way? i'm so tired of telling people of my faith and yet people can't seem to help but take this as an attack. how do i even mention my faith without such an angry response?

[FFC]

AAUUGHH! whew... sorry, everyone, but this topic is not only where i want to post a question, but i need to vent some hurt, frustration, sadness, and even let go of a little bitterness. i recenly left another forum where my caring, and very NON-judgemental, NON "breathing down your neck" statements got me some harsh, rude answers. how do christians reach out to those in an honestly loving, encouraging way without getting my head chewed off? why are poeple so judgemental when they accuse US of being that way? i'm so tired of telling people of my faith and yet people can't seem to help but take this as an attack. how do i even mention my faith without such an angry response?

I think it is an occupational hazard so to speak, Lissy. Jesus went through it and told us we would too. It's not easy but the good part is we are promised to be blessed and rewarded when it happens.

I like the World english Bible's translation of Luke 6: 22 and 23.

22 Blessed are you when men shall hate you, and when they shall exclude and mock you, and throw out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake.

23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven, for their fathers did the same thing to the prophets.

I hope this helps a little.

[lissy]

thank you, i needed that.

[Oriental]

Usually when non-believers press charge on me as long as they felt preached, I left them alone as far as possible; aggression is almost inevitable on either part of us because religion is really a difficult topic to discuss. Even fellow Christians are at odds often on various scriptural understanding. There are passages in Paul's epistle (I can't quote them cos I don't have the bible on hand this instant of writing) that taught us to be patient and gentle dealing with dissentients; in spite of its hardship, it is something that we have to learn, with God's grace. Prayers are always something with us, anytime, anywhere and in any circumstances.


Oriental.

[FFC]

Usually when non-believers press charge on me as long as they felt preached, I left them alone as far as possible; aggression is almost inevitable on either part of us because religion is really a difficult topic to discuss. Even fellow Christians are at odds often on various scriptural understanding. There are passages in Paul's epistle (I can't quote them cos I don't have the bible on hand this instant of writing) that taught us to be patient and gentle dealing with dissentients; in spite of its hardship, it is something that we have to learn, with God's grace. Prayers are always something with us, anytime, anywhere and in any circumstances.


Oriental.

Problems are not the problem it's how we deal with the problems that is the problem.

[Oriental]

FFC,

Exactly. We are often tempted to correct people who are not with us. It is futile, in particular if we ignore the truth that it is by God's grace people are converted, not by our effort.

Prayers are the most effective means.

Oriental.

[FFC]

FFC,

Exactly. We are often tempted to correct people who are not with us. It is futile, in particular if we ignore the truth that it is by God's grace people are converted, not by our effort.

Prayers are the most effective means.

Oriental.

Praise the Lord! It's all about God and his power and Grace.

[Turgonian]

* has a mad desire of imitating Puritan Lad and shouting 'Welcome to Geneva!' *