When you meet someone who's not a Christian, your first thought is to witness to them so they can have the same hope as we do!
That's not always the best thing to do.
When cultivating a new friendship with an unbeliever...
You need to befriend them for the right reasons. Don't just be their friend so you can convert them, be their friend because you want to be friends with them, because you can relate with them, you find them to be a fun and interesting person!
People can tell when you have other motives for the friendship. Although wanting someone to go to Heaven is certainly good, you need to go about things the right way.
Pointing fingers at their religion or lifestyle is not a good way to win them over.
If someone wanted to convert YOU and started poking holes in YOUR religion, how would that make you feel??? Would you want to listen to that person who is ripping apart that which is dearest to you? Or would you think more like this: that guy/girl is such a jerk. NO WAY would I want any part in anything he/she is involved in.
Instead of poking holes in their beliefs, how about pointing out how amazing your relationship with God is? After all, that IS the point you're trying to get across...right?
Also the Bible says to give an "answer for the hope that is within you..." (1 Peter 3:15). What comes before an answer? You got it, a question. Good deduction Sherlock. So...people should be asking us about our faith. Why would they do that? Because if we truly have salvation, and we love the Lord, we should be jumping up and down with happiness every day! We should be the most loving people on earth! If you saw someone acting so happy and loving and crazy, you'd probably ask them what's up too!
Before bringing up God, pray about it.
Perhaps now isn't the right timing. God will let you know, you'll feel an uneasiness, or a peace in your heart. And if you have a hard time telling whether it's you, or God saying "no" or "go," ask Him to bring up the opportunity to share: "God, if you want me to talk about you, have them bring it up, because I don't know if I should, and I don't know how to start this conversation!"
That's all He wants, is a willing heart. You don't have to know all the answers, you just have to trust Him.
What I'm trying to say is that there's no "A,B&C" way to witness to people, but I think these are some pretty basic steps to at least avoid ruining that friendship!
So...go make some new friends, be happy, and most importantly pray!
XOXOXO,
Random fact #16- Montpelier, Vermont, is the only state capital without a McDonalds......I'll bet the people there are so skinny!
Feel free to share your thoughts on the subject in the comment box below, feedback is alwayyys appreciated! :)
