Judgment or Exposition? (believe, salvation, pray, Jesus)

[urbanlemur]

When Christians engage in a conversation with those outside of the faith, we are apt to use Scripture to strengthen our position. After the opposing view is set forth, the discussion oftentimes becomes a battle of who's right and who's wrong. After reading countless discussion forums/threads, I have noticed that many folks label Christians as being "judgmental" when bringing Scripture into the fray regarding homosexuallity, racism and whatever other topic warrants that label.

My question is, how are Christians being judgmental when we are merely pointing out what the Bible states regarding the topical issues? Christians are instructed to go to a brother/sister when they know they're doing something that will/would affect their walk with Christ. We are also instructed to tell the world about God and lovingly inform them that Jesus can help them overcome their sinful ways, just as He did for those who follow Him. Personally, I believe the world probably finds it easier to label Christians as "intolerant" and "judgmental" when discussing these volatile issues rather than taking some time and giving the matter serious consideration. What do you good folks here think about this matter? God bless.

[Verna Perry]

Originally Posted by urbanlemur

When Christians engage in a conversation with those outside of the faith, we are apt to use Scripture to strengthen our position. After the opposing view is set forth, the discussion oftentimes becomes a battle of who's right and who's wrong. After reading countless discussion forums/threads, I have noticed that many folks label Christians as being "judgmental" when bringing Scripture into the fray regarding homosexuallity, racism and whatever other topic warrants that label.

My question is, how are Christians being judgmental when we are merely pointing out what the Bible states regarding the topical issues? Christians are instructed to go to a brother/sister when they know they're doing something that will/would affect their walk with Christ. We are also instructed to tell the world about God and lovingly inform them that Jesus can help them overcome their sinful ways, just as He did for those who follow Him. Personally, I believe the world probably finds it easier to label Christians as "intolerant" and "judgmental" when discussing these volatile issues rather than taking some time and giving the matter serious consideration. What do you good folks here think about this matter? God bless.

Hi Urbanlemur ...This is just my own personal observation...What makes trying to have a "conversation", (if that's what you want to call it), so difficult with someone who does not know the Lord is, their "truth", amd their "reality", is just way on the other end of the scale! Yet, the only way I know this is because I myself, used to be right where they are presently! Sometimes, I believe, we (as Christians), tend to give up because we tire of being called sometimes pretty terrible names. They feel, I'm sure, that we "invade" their space...and they don't like to be questioned conscerning the choices they are making. The Bible says that our light shines upon their darkness and reveals truth to them about themselves,,,and this isn't easy to swallow for them. They don't "take the time", or "give the matter serious consideration", because they don't see the "BIG-PICTURE." They see the "point" on the line of eternity instead of the whole line itself....sadly, when one believes that this is all there is, then there's no reason to think you should do anything except all you can to live it up all you can, anyway you can, to gain all the money you can, to buy all the "things" you can...etc...etc. before you die, because that's the end! We serve a Holy God. And we know we'll have to give an account of our lives and what we did for Christ, so this reality makes us decide to do the right things-to prepare...as best we can. All we can do is pray for the lost; be a light that shines in their darkness, and not give up...no matter what. There's always one that's listening, that God will open their eyes, and soften their heart to receive His message of salvation and love. After all, every one mentioned in the Bible as being a Christ follower was at one time either a thief, a murderer, and adulterer, and everything else bad you can think of, and God was able to change them! Some of us are planters, some of us are waterers, But only God can give the increase! ......Love.