why do some people act so angry with the Gospel?

[Gratefulheart]

Hi,

I'm trying to become bolder with sharing my faith. Not in a degrading or beligerant way but trying to help answer questions that some non-believers have.

I have had some people on-line ask why a loving God would send someone to hell and I tell them the need for a savior and how God loves us so much that he has taken the penalty we couldn't pay by sending his son, etc. Instead of being calm, a great deal of the time, they react very offensively, rude and angry with the Good news.

They begin to bash me and say that I'm forcing my beliefs down their throats and I think I'm superior, that I'm delusional and stupid and all kinds of profanity. All that because I answered them and shared the truth.

I know the bible says that we will be persecuted.. I don't know.. Maybe I'm just feeling a bit down. I know I should rejoice in persecution. It's just that It's kind of shocking and secretly, insulting and heartbreaking that they treat me that way. I wonder if I really have come off as judgemental or something and get worried about being a good witness for Christ.

Any support on this would be wonderful. Is this to be an expected kind of thing when sharing the Gospel? What should one avoid doing when witnessing to someone?

thanks for any help.

[pegmo]

I have had an unbelieving brother have a visceral reaction to a discussion about God and what happens when we die and an unbelieving sister go ballistic over just the mention of the bible.

My sense is that deep down they both know God is real, and that there is a judgement coming. They surround themselves with others who validate their atheism so they don't have to deal with any conflict in this area in their daily lives. But when the topic surfaces and the Truth is mentioned, there is a deep negative reaction because the Truth registers somewhere deep inside and I think they can't deal with the reality of that Truth. So they strike out at the messenger. I have been so surprised as well at the intensity of the attacks.

Only the bible, and the name of Jesus and God as creator bring about those kind of reactions. False religions and spiritual ideas don't seem to bother people, and they don't create those reactions. Just the Truth. They don't want to hear the Truth. Its a deliberate choice to reject the Truth whether they realize it or not.

I had another family member reject the Truth recently, and I have been down about it too. I get discouraged as well. However I heard the scripture in my heart where Jesus says, "They are rejecting me, not you." And that just makes me want to cry - both for Jesus and for them. I wish they knew what we know and would say YES to Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

[A2J]

Remember John 15 v 18 'If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first'
I've tried to evangelise online as well and was met with some vicious opposition. I decided that it was best for me to stay away from those topics on that particular site as it was starting to damage my faith.
My Mum reminded me after a particular frustrating day that unbelievers can easily dismiss the Bible, the Gospel and even that God exists because their eyes have not been opened by the Holy Spirit and they are walking blind. The best thing we can do is pray for them, that the truth might be revealed for them to see.:pray

[Patti311]

A short answer is all I can come up with.....maybe the Holy Spirit is really convicting them and they just don't want to deal with it...so thus the anger?

[Glory in print]

Hi,

I'm trying to become bolder with sharing my faith. Not in a degrading or beligerant way but trying to help answer questions that some non-believers have.

I have had some people on-line ask why a loving God would send someone to hell and I tell them the need for a savior and how God loves us so much that he has taken the penalty we couldn't pay by sending his son, etc. Instead of being calm, a great deal of the time, they react very offensively, rude and angry with the Good news.

They begin to bash me and say that I'm forcing my beliefs down their throats and I think I'm superior, that I'm delusional and stupid and all kinds of profanity. All that because I answered them and shared the truth.

I know the bible says that we will be persecuted.. I don't know.. Maybe I'm just feeling a bit down. I know I should rejoice in persecution. It's just that It's kind of shocking and secretly, insulting and heartbreaking that they treat me that way. I wonder if I really have come off as judgemental or something and get worried about being a good witness for Christ.

Any support on this would be wonderful. Is this to be an expected kind of thing when sharing the Gospel? What should one avoid doing when witnessing to someone?

thanks for any help.The question could also be asked why a bank robber gets upset with the police?...Its because they are in the wrong and don't want to be held accountible for what they have done...In keeping it simple some people get angry, and offended at just the mention of God, its because deep down whether they understand it or not they get convicted of there sins...I have noticed when a sinner is heavily convicted they either rebell, or repent..Sadly many choose to rebell.

[amy_elisabeth]

There's a good sermon to listen to about how to present the gospel to the lost by showing them that they already know through their conscience that they're not good people who deserve heaven, but bad people who need forgiveness. Listen to both of the sermons on this link when you get a chance:

http://www.spiritualthirst.com/listen

And yeah, we have to expect persecution and it's getting worse - I know online I'm slammed a lot, but we have to remember they are dead in their trespasses and sins and are reacting like their father the devil... just like us before God granted us repentance and faith too. :)

[JIL]

Hi,

I'm trying to become bolder with sharing my faith. Not in a degrading or beligerant way but trying to help answer questions that some non-believers have.

I have had some people on-line ask why a loving God would send someone to hell and I tell them the need for a savior and how God loves us so much that he has taken the penalty we couldn't pay by sending his son, etc. Instead of being calm, a great deal of the time, they react very offensively, rude and angry with the Good news.

They begin to bash me and say that I'm forcing my beliefs down their throats and I think I'm superior, that I'm delusional and stupid and all kinds of profanity. All that because I answered them and shared the truth.

I know the bible says that we will be persecuted.. I don't know.. Maybe I'm just feeling a bit down. I know I should rejoice in persecution. It's just that It's kind of shocking and secretly, insulting and heartbreaking that they treat me that way. I wonder if I really have come off as judgemental or something and get worried about being a good witness for Christ.

Any support on this would be wonderful. Is this to be an expected kind of thing when sharing the Gospel? What should one avoid doing when witnessing to someone?

thanks for any help.

This is a huge problem these days. I have friends who grew up in the church that are still weak in their walk with Christ and they see how the Lord has matured and developed me and I face persecution on a daily basis. You are not alone. People fear the truth and when you present it to them it reminds them of all their weaknesses and they fear what this may lead. They think they can continue to run from it and not be held accountable as long as they do not acknowledge it. Ever notice how nobody gets offended if you were to say you were Islamic or buddhist or whatever else is out there? That's because they are false and only Christ is the truth and people generally fear the truth.

[Mailman Dan]

I've gotten that from people who profess to be Christians, for just handing them a tract. It's nothing new, but on the up side, I haven't been jailed or stoned yet...


Dan~~~>blessed to be in the USA

[rodyshusband]

Please note my signature:

[His Bride]

Many people think of the God of the Bible as an intolerant kill-joy. If they acknowledge Him they must believe what He has to say about them. The Bible calls us sinners and no one wants to be told that about themselves. The God of the Bible demands worship, obedience, submission and agreement with Him about who we are. Most people have placed themselves at the center of their universe. It takes much humbling to bow before Him. It goes against our nature. I think that is why people follow philosophies that allow them to pick and choose what makes them feel good and what they agree with.