Two wrongs don't make a right

[Jacqueline]

God taught me a very interesting lesson not to long ago. It was late at night and my brother and a family friend, my cousin and myself was sitting in the living room of my mothers house. I can't remember how we started talking about God, but the conversation ended with Him. My brother (God please give him sight) stated that he believes this world is heaven. That we make our own heaven. Our friend Corky said that the bible was written by men so he doesn't believe a lot of what is in it.

We went over and over different things in the bible to the point that the conversation became heated. It's hard when your telling someone something that you know will save their souls and the only thing they do is make fun. Now all this time my cousin who has been a christian her whole life just sat there. I'd asks her if I was right and she'd say yes, but she remained mostly silent shaking her head negatively or making little sounds at the comments my brother and Corky made. Now Corky said something that got me upset and I said what he said was stupid.

( I can't even remember what he said that upset me now) Anyway, my cousin looked at me and said you can't say that what they believe is stupid. I told her she was right and I meant it. I just wanted them to see Jesus the way I do.

After a little while she started talking, but want she said was so disappointing that I'd had enough and said good night and went home. Her basic attitude was I believe what I believe and I don't care what you believe. Now I believe that as well, but the difference is I believe in Jesus no matter what this world do or say to the extent that I have the desire to tell others about him even if I know they don't agree with me. It's like Christians have this great secret that their keeping to themselves and I for one can't keep it to my self.

That night in bed the conversation ran through my head and her silence became so loud that I had to search my memories to remember if she'd always been that quiet when it came to voicing her faith in God. What I learned was surprising. The answer is yes. In fact every Christian I've ever known has been just like that. Some of you who have read my earlier post know that I was going through a really bad time not to long ago. (Only by the grace of God was I able to come through it) I have a lot of Christians in my family and only one took the time to asks me what was going on with me and she even though we talked often not once asks or said any thing about Jesus to me. In fact I can never remember her starting a conversation about Jesus not once. Even before I was saved I would be the one that would start talking about Him. Now with that all said that leads me to my title. Two wrongs don't make a right. I was wrong that night because instead of allowing them to see and hear Jesus through me my pride got in the way and the only thing they saw was me. She was wrong because instead of shaking her head and making negative sounds with her mouth in disagreement with what they were saying she should have been voicing the Lords truth.

What do you think? Am I seeing to much into her silence? I'm here to learn so please give your advise.

God Bless You

Jacqueline

[dwinkjr]

No you are not seeing too much here, you are exactly right. Too many Christians are willing to just idley sit by and watch others stroll towards the gates of hell.

We must be vocal people, sure many will mock and laugh at you, but if of the 100 you witness to 1 is saved you have saved 1 person from eternal damnation. "you Can lead a horse to water, But you cannot make him drink."

God Bless,

Dave

[Guest Called]

Well, I have been learning this very recently like as recently as today!

As someone who is very wise told me , we should speak the truth, but we must also use grace. There is a fine balance to that... I usually just try and tell it like it is.. kind of like you did that night, but that will just cause someone to put up their defenses. It is also not good to sit there and watch someone you care about go to hell. We must tell the truth of God's Word and it will speak for itself... you just plant the seed and someone will water it...Just ask God to give you more wisdom, I know I have!

[WISDOM]

Hello Jacqueline.....

I really enjoyed reading your post!

You wrote it with so much sincerity and conviction. It quickly grasped my attention. In response.....no, you were not wrong. Truthfully speaking, you brought honor to our FATHER by standing your ground.

I am sure you were being ridiculed during the course of the discussion, however, it sounds as if you stood firmly on the truth of our FATHER's Word. At least four individual lives were impacted by that talk.

The friend and your brother were responding in common natural minded man statements. Don't fret over it. YOU were simply the instrument GOD used to plead to their hearts. Keep this in mind.....YOU sowed seeds. Now you have to let GOD's Word do it work based on the actions of the recipient (Isaiah 55:11). Nothing YOU or I ever share with others about our LORD's Word goes to waste.

The possibility always looms large that just as you replayed the discussion in your mind later that night, the two of them may have done the same, and YOU may never know about it! But GOD does! Be thankful our FATHER used you in such great fashion....

It would not be fair for me to judge your cousin because many things could play into why she reacted as she did. Again though.....we don't know what the HOLY SPIRIT did with her thoughts later. Her accountability is to the LORD, not us.

Which brings me back to YOU... If you feel your pride got in the way, then so be it. But based on what you wrote here I'd say you stood your ground very well. Jacqueline....we're not always going to see immediate results, but when a Christian stands alone as you did GOD honors those actions.

[Guest charlie]

To your knowledge did your brother and Corky ever believe in God/Jesus?

I think next time you should not get angry. Remain calm and just state what you believe. I don't like it when angry atheists try to shove their nonbelief down my throat but I also don't like it when other believers tell me I'm still wrong and going to hell because I don't share the exact same interpretation of doctrine that they do. No matter what your beliefs pushy or angry doesn't win converts.

Sometimes those who are most hostile to God are those who have been raised in very religious families so keep that in mind next time when witnessing. Don't keep quiet but do what Called suggested and "plant seeds". You might save one soul out of a hundred by being pushy but more likely you'll drive 99 souls away. Presentation, presentation, presentation!!

When thinking back over the argument why don't you take out pen and paper and write down as many of their "reasons" for not believing that you can remember; make a list. Then one by one start writing a rebuttal, lots of people here will be able to help you if you get stuck on anything. Read it over occasionally and then you'll be more confident and prepared the next time you find yourself in the same situation because I think you will find that most people have the same "reasons" for non-belief, unless it's an emotional backlash sort of thing.......Preparation in and of itself will "calm" you, then just say a little prayer, God will give you the right words.

[Trinity]

((((((But 3 lefts make a Right...)))))))

Sorry just had to say that :x:

your probably

[yukon]

I grew up in a family that made fun and bad talk Jesus. Yes, It makes me very angry and sad inside. The more angry I got the more satified my family became. A preacher once told me that when someone is really not willing to hear about Jesus, than stop the conversation.

It doesn't do any good to get into an argument with someone that doesn't even believe in Jesus. You have to be careful not to turn them farther from Jesus.

The Spirit will let you know when someone is ready to hear about Jesus.

Yukon

[stevehut]

1- Now all this time my cousin who has been a christian her whole life just sat there. I'd asks her if I was right and she'd say yes, but she remained mostly silent shaking her head

2- Anyway, my cousin looked at me and said you can't say that what they believe is stupid.

1- Yup, that's how many Christians are. They have some vague belief, but they're short on specific convictions.

2- She's right. Would you have become a Christian if someone told you your beliefs were stupid?

Don't confuse issues and personalities. What matters is what's right, not who's right.

[FaithfulFollower]

Jaqualine,

It is truly not difficult to see where you are coming from. I do agree with much that has been said here, a Christian should stand up for what they believe in, however at the same time...you may want to keep this in mind. Please do not believe that I am trying to say what you were doing was wrong, for truly I can understand where you are coming from seeing as I had to go through this with an Agnostic friend of mine. In the New Testament it tells many a Christian how to deal with such a situation.

1 John 4:6 But we belong to God; that is why those who know God listen to us. If they do not listen to us, they do not belong to God. That is how we know if someone has the spirit of truth or deception.

What you did was not wrong, for you were merely trying to share the truth, so please do not feel discouraged. However, should the ones you love that you are trying to share such a message with refuse to listen you may need to back down. Now this does not mean to lose hope and completely give up. For prayer can truly be the most powerful message to any heart, young or old. Yes, this may be perhaps the most complicated thing for one with such a loving heart as yours to do, for I can see the sincerity in your post. However, should you continue to pray daily for this person and perhaps should you have the oppertunity an occassional invite to church or two may just be the sort of motivation to help them step in the right direction. I do admire you for your courage as well as the steps you are taking in your faith. Keep your chin up, and do not lose faith.

With Love In Christ,

Danielle