*One afternoon with a friend.
Me: God has a perfect plan for his people, which is why wait for him everyday.
Friend: *scoffs* why wait for him when you can do whatever you want?
Me: If I do go my own ways, life isn't going to be easy for me. Desires won't satisfy me, I'll be more empty as ever.
Friend: you know what, I had enough of God from you. You shouldn't be talking trash. *begins to walk away.*
As believers of Christ, we may have that one friend/family who typically opposes christianity, or use harsh words against the name of the Lord Jesus when we represent him. It's saddening to be in the situation, especially knowing those people are going to miss out the wonderful blessings.
However, mentioning the name of jesus, is as great as an opportunity. You will be rejected, yes, but what you are doing is exalting God and bringing yourself even closer to his presence.
They (the non-christians) may not understand what changed you so suddenly; that is the sign of God's Light shining through you. It is the work of God in your life, an awesome blessing to confess to others of your testimony with christ. There's a wonderful promise that lies in the book of Matthew.
Blessed are you When people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. - MATTHEW 5:11,12
Unfortunately there's nothing we can do to turn their hearts toward our God--for we are not authorize to do so. We are only christ's representatives; the salt that sustains the world. We share the Gospel by inspiring them to come forward to the presence of the Lord. Everyone has a choice, either they want to be saved or go their own ways.
Then how should we deal with non-christians? What is the appropriate manner before God?
Here are a couple of advice based from the bible.
1.Don't Push.
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. -Ephesians 2:8,9
As I have said above, we are not authorize to change a person. It is God alone who can miraculously transform one's heart. He himself has patience towards his people, watching closely if we'll have the right decision to accept him and ask for repentance. That is how graceful and merciful the Lord is.!
The second verse--which happens to be grace inspired girls signature Bible verse, tells us that all--including us, are saved by faith and not by our works. God has chosen from the beginning who will be his adoptive child. He will save that person only if it complies to his will.
So do not force yourself to engage someone to get themselves to church. The more you are discouraging them because it is out of reluctance than a desire.
2.Don't give up
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. -1 Corinthians 16:13
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumtances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I once was rejected by my bestfriend only because I mentioned God to her. It was a heartache to read her text message, "enough of God okay!!! What she needs right now is you and not God!!!." There were numerous exclamation points. I was aghast by her statement, I broke down in tears. My mom explained to me at the time, "it isn't your fault, all you can do is to pray for her."
Pray. It's all that we need to face opposition. God knows that being a Christian in an arrogant world is not comfortable. Prayer gives us the hope for those we care for, and the courage to keep fighting for them in faith. There's a saying, you can have hope without faith, but you can't have faith without hope.
To have faith is to believe that God will do as he's promised. Never cease praying for them, for the lord hears our desperate prayers. You may never know that one day the person who cursed God then will be praising him in adoration.
Don't discourage yourself than can hinder you from trusting God. It is what I've learned when I found my way deeper into his love. It would be painful, but know that he brings people into our lives to teach us and to streghthen us-- when we are ready enough to share our testimony.
I encourage you to keep sharing, Let God reveal himself through you. If one refuses, let it go. For you've already done your part, and you need to submit it to the Lord who is in absolute control of everything.
Author's Note :
May God bless your journey. 😊 have a nice day! .
My Previous Article :
Because we have different belief we need to respect each other