Poll: Reasons not to witness

[Acts5:41]

I was watching a show tonight and found it fascinating. It discussed reasons people may be fearful about witnessing and sharing their faith.

I know, the time that hurts me most, I was asked point blank by a boss (over a decade ago), if I believed Jesus was the only way to heaven, and I said no. I was afraid I'd lose my job.

The answers are private (no user ID), and multiple choice.

For me, it was scared of fired, scared they'd think I was weird.

[Nate928]

I got in trouble for talking about the bunker to a customer who is also born again. Another customer came in and heard what we were talking about and complained to the corporate office about me. If I had been talking about nearly anything else they wouldn't have cared. So I don't talk about it as much anymore. But I think we should stand firm in the face of scrutiny and persecution. Many of the people who scorn us now, just may be saved in the tribulation. We need to be an example to them of how to stand in your faith no matter what because they will need to most in those perilous times...

[Acts5:41]

Oh, yeah.

For me, this incident happened over 10 years ago. I'm a lot bolder now.

If you ask my paratransit drivers or FB friends about me, they will mention my faith.

A few others would talk about Bibles I gave them.

[Wally]

There is only one reason not to witness; you're dead.


It may be prudent to withhold a witness, but consider; those to whom would seem to be the worst recipient, are the ones most despirately in need.


Pray, Trust God.

[Mommytoa3rdgradeboy]

I agree w/ Wally. We are commanded to preach the gospel.

However, I get what the question means...I do pretty good witnessing to kids & pre-teens, and adults who tend to be more reserved and appear to be confused w/ life, if that makes ANY sense. However, I don't really try to witness at all when it comes to adults who are self-described athiests. I do not like confrontation, and from what little I have hmmmm, not really *witnessed*, but posted on people's comments as a rebuttal of some God-bashing comments, ALL I get in response is downright rude and mean bahavior. To me, that is confrontation. I understand that we are to present the Gospel and let the Holy Spirit work on the person, however, in real life, I tenf to end up arguing and that is not good, IMO.

Good topic!

[Acts5:41]

I want the reasons people give themselves for not witnessing.

Obviously, I got over mine.

I agree, the only time not to witness is if the Holy Spirit gives you a NO or you can't talk.

One of the reasons given on this show was "I'm afraid I might get stabbed".

[Nate928]

One man gave me a very simple bit of advice when wondering whether you should witness or not. Just ask yourself, "what if no one has told them?"

[Kaitlyn]

I'm really shy, so I have a hard time just talking to strangers in person, but I'll do it online. When it's people I'm just starting to get to know, I always worry that I'll make them mad and then they'll never listen again. I have one friend that me and another friend talked to a lot and she seemed to close to being saved, then she started getting mad when we talked to her, so we backed off. Now she's converting to Islam. I worry that I messed that up somehow.

[Acts5:41]

Don't forget, prayer is a good weapon.

You might give her a NT and ask her to compare it to the koran. How do the 2 religions deal with people who harm you? What are the teachings on God's mercy? Approach her as an "expert' and you need her opinion.

I have heard of MANY hardcore Muslims converting upon reading the NT.

[Kaitlyn]

She swears that she's read the whole Bible already. And, though we have met in person, she lives in another state. And I pray for her all the time.

[Kaitlyn]

And I just had a Jewish friend tell me to stop posting Salvation messages because it "triggers her". I'm thoroughly confused now. And she's not replying to my messages now when we've talked for four years.

Add this to the "afraid people will get mad" category. She's never said anything before...

ETA: She finally replied. I'm still pretty confused though.

[Raynbowz]

In the past, I have been almost paralyzed by fear when I tried to witness. I'm talking about shaking, crying, overwhelming dread. I have no idea why I would feel that way, other than an attack by the enemy. Now I hand out tracts while I'm at the laundromat. I'm still scared (still not sure what of), but it's gotten a little easier.

[Mommytoa3rdgradeboy]

And I just had a Jewish friend tell me to stop posting Salvation messages because it "triggers her". I'm thoroughly confused now. And she's not replying to my messages now when we've talked for four years.

Add this to the "afraid people will get mad" category. She's never said anything before...

ETA: She finally replied. I'm still pretty confused though.

Are you talking about posting on FB or something like that? If so, you can post what you want. Tell her that if she doesn't like what you (or anybody else) posts, she can block your posts from showing up in her newsfeed. Remind her that this is YOUR FB page and you can post what you feel lead to post.

[Mommytoa3rdgradeboy]

In the past, I have been almost paralyzed by fear when I tried to witness. I'm talking about shaking, crying, overwhelming dread. I have no idea why I would feel that way, other than an attack by the enemy. Now I hand out tracts while I'm at the laundromat. I'm still scared (still not sure what of), but it's gotten a little easier.

I am sure this is a bad analgy, but consier if you were in marketing and you had a product that you need ed to sell. You would do your research on that product and determine whom should be your intended target clients, right? Well, w/ the matter of witnessing, everyone is a potential client, so just be in study of the Bible, pray and "market" your "product", which by the way, is FREE to all who ask and receive Jesus as Savior.

[Kaitlyn]

Are you talking about posting on FB or something like that? If so, you can post what you want. Tell her that if she doesn't like what you (or anybody else) posts, she can block your posts from showing up in her newsfeed. Remind her that this is YOUR FB page and you can post what you feel lead to post.

It was a Tumblr post, Facebook sticks long stuff under a read more automatically so she's apparently just ignored it there.. She's apparently had trouble with "Christians" in the past who's approach was "Get saved or kill yourself". I told her that I'm not going to stop posting, but I will tag it Christianity in the future so she can block it. I don't think forcing it on her will help that much. I have other places I talk to her where I can discuss my faith in ways that hopefully won't upset her.

[cbressler1976]

I can "witness" easily online to friends/family....but in person I can't because I have a "fear" of people in general....I am a very shy person and I can hardly talk to anyone about anything period...