As a Christian, how do you find balance between....(see the details)?
83233
People mean well (though they do harm) when they approach potential converts to Christianity by, abrasively, reminding them of their sinful standard of living.\n\nIn the beginning of witnessing such 'ministering,' my reaction was vexation of spirit because Jesus was never harsh with hurting people. The woman caught in adultery was not condemned by Jesus.\n\nWhen people surrounded her to carry out the brutal punishment of death by stoning, I can only imagine the fear of having a crowd of people on a mission to kill me for bad judgment...for a bad call...for a bad (correctable) choice. \n\nI can also imagine her relief to hear the noise of the crowd diminish as they listened to a lone, quiet voice of hope (gently calling attention to their times of bad judgment) and how they escaped punishment.\n\nTrue believers have to be that lone voice of hope, (that balance) to potential new converts subjected to the noise of those who do not minister in meekness. \n\nPaul stated in I Timothy 2:24 "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, \n\n:25 In meekness instructing those who oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;\n\n:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."\n\nTherefore, as a Christian, when my thoughts lean toward harsh rebuke of those who mean well (but do harm in their zealous ministry), I understand they need more instruction on how to minister in meekness.  \n\nLifting them in prayer and supplication to God (that they become more sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit) grants me peace from the torment of a vexed spirit.
667138
This is the type of question that is better answered over coffee and not on a message board.\n\nThat said, you will always fall short of the ideal, but it's the same old answers: You pray. You read the Bible. You ask got for forgiveness. Ultimately, though you realize that grace is not just there for forgiveness but for transformation. You learn that it's not so much what you do, but what Christ does in you ("Apart from Him you can do nothing"). \n\nAbiding in Christ is actually tougher than it sounds because we've raised a generation of sincere Christians that believe it is their responsibility to maintain what Christ accomplished for them on the Cross. Change takes time, over time the Holy Spirit will cause growth, and you won't be the best judge of it because you are living in your skin--and can't see progress as easily as anyone around you. Now, any progress you make won't add anything to what Christ has done but it will feel good.\n\nSo, have fun. Enjoy your life. Christianity is inward transformation not outward observance of rules. Go with your conscience of course, but don't get too wrapped up in it. God will complete the work he started.
959629
Your relationship with God are between you and the higher power you believe in. Converting to please another "human being" wouldn't be putting the spirtual relationship as a priority but the earthly one. No One can make you convert. In the end you will not stick with it. Do what makes you happy and what your conscience can deal with.
889638
Be an Optimist.\nTrust in God.\n"All things work together for good to them that love God".\n\n.
344283
If you follow Gods plan for your life, and trust Him, your life will be mostly peaceful, and you will be content.\n\nIf, on the other hand, you are like me, and decide to check out what is on the other side of the fence.....things aren't so nice, and getting back across that friggin fence ain't easy.
198365
A wise man once said " keep your eyes on Jesus and do the next right thing" . Its not easy but every choice does count. In my experience I have grown closer to God by letting him fight for me: pray about it.
432063
According to the Bible we should beequally yoked. You shouldn't have any expectations of changing the other person's beliefs and vice versa. It becomes difficult down the road when all you have left is what you believe in and they don't believe the same it can lead to division very easily.
144553
I like what has been said.  The whole point of being a Christian (past the salvation part) is to become like Christ.  How do you do this??  Good suggestions have been given, and here are some more:\n-get into the Word every day.  God is going to talk to you through the ultimate "user manual".  \n-Get plugged into a Bible based church.  Get involved!!!  \n-Be open to letting the Spirit help you in life with making choices and reaching out to others.\n-Memorize Scripture- that helps write His Word on your heart, and you will pull that out of your memory when you least expect to.\n-Clean up your "house" bit by bit.  If you wear clothes that are making guys think unholy thoughts, make the choice and wear something else.  If you have a potty mouth, bite your tongue.  We ALL have things that we are working on.  Others will see this change in you, and see how Christ is changing you.  \n-praise God all throughout the day, this helps focus on what He has made good.\n\nI have been praying for you already!
1066735
Hello..TEMPTATION IS EVERYWHERE AND VARIES FROM ONE TO ANOTHER..AS I CHRISTIAN I DO NOT NEED TO DEFEAT TEMPTATION..IT'S SIMMPLY NOT MORE STRONGER THAN MY BELIEVE..MY WILL..!!
661860
I know exactly what you are talking about!! I am a christian...really trying to be. but there is one thing that i hate...it's not about God anymore. More and more people makes religion fit them...and maybe I am one of them. So I am sticking to this now: God is love, Jesus came to set us free. Love people as you love yourself. Speak to God everyday, because He will let you know what is wrong or right. Trust only in Him. Christianity is not about laws, its not about what is wrong or right. It doesn't judge, not suppose to in any case. Just love God and listen to His voice speaking trough the Bible
645866
Faith sweetie. Faith, read His word. Once you start to understand, and believe that God gave His ONLY son so that we would be saved...then look around you, and also start to believe that everything you see that is bad that you are not apart of God has set you apart and keeping watch, but know that it is just by His grace that we saved. It is nothing that we have done to deserve His love, because we have all sinned, He simply loves us.
48547
Christians are given lots of contradictory advice in their scripture.  They can pick and choose what to follow and what to disregard depending upon the prevailing politics.  All religion is essentially political in nature- not spiritual.
562803
I no longer give power to others by allowing them to determine my worth. I have a conscious contact with God, and pray for his will. Any queastions I have about my life, faith, relationships, Christians, etc.....all I have to do is ask God directly, and he provides the answers.
24681
#1 Rely on God & the Holy Spirit to do the work of changing this person's heart.\n\n#2 Be willing to listen & respect his/her beliefs and right to choose - even though you don't agree.\n\n#3 Fill your mind & heart with God's Word, so that you will always be able to answer questions.\n\n#4 Let your faith & life be an example - you can tell what God is doing in your life w/o beating someone over the head with theology.\n\n#5 Be honest - admit when there is not a clear answer in scripture, when you're unsure of something, etc.
589113
PLEASE GO TO CHURCH.  GOD IS THE ONLY ANSWER I CAN GIVE YOU.\nHE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO WILL NEVER LEAVE YOUR SIDE.\nGOD IS GOOD.....ALL THE TIME
26805
Turn away from sins. \nAccept Jesus Christ as your Savior. \nThat will make you a Christian and inherit God's promises of everlasting life and a life full of love and blessings. \nLove others as you love yourself. \nLive in active faith in God.\nPray constantly and make the Bible as your source of truth. \n\nGOD is Good all the time!
1072075
Put your trust in the Lord your God.  Do not let someone steal your joy, some people are unstable.  There are always misunderstandings and always will be.  \nBut, trust in Him and find the Way.  Pray for God's will to be done.  Believe what the Lord your God speaks to you and tells you; He is always near although everyone else may forsake you.