I need some born-again Christian advice, please.
By berlynn1975
@berlynn1975 (737)
United States
July 21, 2007 12:34pm CST
Hi, I've posted about this and a similar situation previously and received answers, and advice from Cloudwatcher. Now, again, I'm in a bit of turmoil over a friend. She is an "infant" Christian. But, she wasn't raised as a Christian, and probably literally doesn't know what is actually considered sin. And, I have not led the perfect example, as a friend, either.
But, now as I'm trying to live the life as a Christian, the way I was raised, and I believe, I don't know when it's my right to say, "that's sin". Or, do I let God lead her in the right direction?
Thanks for any help.
2 people like this
6 responses
@flowerchilde (12529)
• United States
31 Jul 07
I say pray and let God lead. I consider it God's job to convince (translated in the bible as "convict") someone of their sins and imperfections. And I actually have found He does a good job of it, whereas humans tend to have the opposite effect, which is to make someone cling to their imperfections all the more.. {'Preaching' to someone without the Spirit doing the moving and making the space for it, drives more people away than draws, also!] - whereas God's message hits the heart.. and then is written on the heart and mind.. and actually that's what this whole life is (learning good from evil) so even though it's so much of a twilight zone these days.. all is quite well.. for God wins all in the end!:)bless you!!
@berlynn1975 (737)
• United States
17 Aug 07
Thank you so much for your response. (Sorry; I haven't been on in a while- lots going on in our family). I definitely agree w/what you wrote. Great confirmation of something I already believe to be true. I think she'd rather have God speak to her than to me to point a finger at what's wrong. She'd definitely think I was condemning her. Thanks.
@mihama_poohbear (449)
• Philippines
22 Jul 10
Better is open rebuke than hidden love. That's one of the proverbs in the Bible. So you should tell her your opinion and the right thing to do. As you said, she may still be too infant to hear God tell her in a clear and audible voice what she needs to do. We are our brother's/sister's keeper. So we help each other.
@simbrialuis (387)
• Philippines
4 Mar 08
An advice from an agnostic one here:
One, let us not try to compare who among the members are infant and old ones.
Two, as a fellow Christian, what you could do is to live by example. Be a salt to her. share your saltiness to her not the other way around. Allow her to decipher what is sinful and what is not. What you can do is to pray without ceasing. Ask God to give her the wisdom and lead both of you to the correct path.
Three you have said it already, She is a "baby" Christian, She needs guidance rather than condemnation, as a toddler or matured christian, you must teach her the right ways of doing things. Not just because it is rightful and as declared by your denomination/group but because you have to share the LOVE that God gave you. You let her experience GOD and she herself will realized it.
I hope this had help you. :)
@jashley1 (746)
• United States
3 Jun 08
Hello!
Well the Bible is the best advice you can give a friend! You have to remember what the Bible actually says (paraphrased), "when I was young I spake as a child, desired the sincere milk of the Word ... then when you grow up you need the "meat", you can no longer live off of milk alone". Ok, what I mean by that is that no one was born perfect - we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We have to be patient with one another and realize that we are at different levels and such with Jesus - different convictions - as you grow your convictions become stronger. Whatever you do, you should make sure to do it in love. Pray for your friend. Reference scriptures in the Bible where Jesus specifically tells of sin and what is not alright according to His standard. This way you are just letting her know what Jesus says - not what "you say". Know what I mean? Listen - once you repent to God you are forgiven - it's under the blood. No one has a right to bring it back up once God has forgiven you - not even yourself. So although you may not have lived up to being a great example of Christ before - it's a new day and you do your best now. Get in your word & let the Lord lead and guide you. Remember - you have to have God's Holy Spirit within you - for real - you can't live a life pleasing to Christ without it. God bless.
@Ivan_Ivan (13)
•
7 Jul 08
In relation to our well being or our relatives or neighbors well being we must apply the teachings of Jesus. We try to show to them the love of God. The love of God is to make what is right in all respects. I mean to follow what is good, in the face of the New Testament. To do justice and to say the truth.
We follow th example of Jesus so we need sometimes to be teacher to other people. Teach your friend to act in a way not to cause any preocupation to her neighbors, relatives or family, and to keep this way of life for a lifetime. That is a sign that she is in the way to see the Love of God, and to feel the Love of God
@carsocmaguinsay (417)
• Philippines
25 Jun 10
it may be too late for me to read this. i new here in mylot. all i could say is pray for your friend, especially that you do not have the same background as you have said that you were raised in a Christian family and she was not. Consider her. If you constantly live as Christian, sooner or later, she will be able to see that in you. She will be able to notice the changes and your life will be a good testimony not only to her but to everyone around you. You can share the Gospel not only through words but through our actions- in how you live your life...