The Bible states that believers should not interact with non-believers (2 Corinthians 6:14-17, 2 John 1:9-11), but what about Jesus' entire message? Did He not preach about love and forgiveness, and didn't He spend his time with the poor and unfavored of society? It's been bothering me because I have been feeling very resentful of the way Christian leaders in the U.S. have been representing Christianity. It's become a political tool and a platform for judgment. It's easier to condemn someone or their ideas than to, at the very least, agree to disagree. I have friends who are atheists, and we have great discussions about religion- they respect my viewpoint while disagreeing with me, and I the same. I guess I don't feel the need to try and "save" people. I pray for them and I pray for myself, knowing full well that I am no better or worse than anyone else. I wouldn't deign to think that I am worthy to speak for God, but wouldn't He encourage debate and the chance to get His message heard at least?

You have asked a very good question and I do understand where you are coming from, even if I have my own opinions and beliefs.

We all as christians can go out with a bible and try and save people, preaching to them about their sin and explaining to them how to get saved through Jesus Christ. In all honesty, this way worked for my own salvation, so Praise God, I do not condemn it at all, for it works for some and then in other cases, like the ones you mention above I do believe personally that people pay more attention in what you do, then in what you say.

I am not wise enough or would never proclaim to know what to do in every situation I come across, but I am so grateful for I have a teacher living inside of me , the Holy Spirit, that helps me in each and every situation. He is the one that will lead me into what to say or do based on the individual, as I feel Jesus meets us right where we are at, just as he did with the outcasts . I am just like everyone else, with my own sin to contend with, that I constantly have to turn over to God each day and I know I have to first take the log out of my own eye, before I judge the speck in my brothers eye.

I do not always do or say the right thing, but I am so grateful for Gods mercy , which is new every morning, and we all are sinners saved by grace, none of us are perfect. What works for one individual , might not work for the next. God has a plan for each of us , some save through fire and some save through compassion, it is the Holy spirit that will lead you in the way your own testimoney shines for Jesus.

I think the most important thing today is to remember always the greatest commandments to love God and to love others , and the rest shall follow, as we live in a very hurting world, where sin is very much abound. People need to have the hope of Jesus Christ in this dying world and if it is someone out their on the street with a bible , teaching about coming to Christ through repentance of their sin , or someone like you who will draw a atheist to Christ through your own love and wisdom giving to you by God, then God has put you in the position of drawing people to him, as we do not save people, Christ Saves.

What I think matters above anything else, is that if one lost soul is saved through whatever means, whether we agree with it or not, then Praise God, his will is done , for Gods wisdom surpasses all mans wisdom and who are we to even question it when it comes to what Gods word says, that he wishes none to perish , but all to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. It is just trusting that God knows best, when we do not.

I pray that helps, as like I said, I in no means have all the answers, these are just my humble thoughts.

My prayers are with you and I pray you can be a shining light of hope to your friends.

In His Love,

Cynthia

Thank you for your response, Cynthia. I know we all have free will to believe or not, and God does have a plan for everyone. He will bring people to His feet in His own way.