I think you're misunderstood, sometimes, too. I can remember days in my past (and some still, yet) when I felt misunderstood when I tried sharing. I was a die-hard bible thumper, at that time in my life. It seemed to turn people away from me, instead of drawing them in, tho. I think I was coming across judgemental and condemning, instead of tolerant and loving. I knew what was right for me (at the time) and had to get my listeners on the same page as me. I think I got that from my mom.
I'm not like that anymore. While I do want to be heard, I don't want to come across with a lack of civility and gentleness. I'm not saying -
I can't say with all honesty - that I don't still hit pockets of "I know it all." Something in me wells up and off I go.
I had a co-worker, once, who was so on fire for the Lord... you almost couldn't stand the love she radiated. She was a living testament to Jesus, she was what He was all about... one of those people who, when around her, all you could think about was wanting what she had! She knew and practiced the TRUE secret. Her husband was dying (and finally did) of nonHodgkin's Lymphoma. But, ya know what? I never once saw her any other way but sweet, caring, kind, loving, and all the other good adjectives and descriptive adverbs. She had us all listening, too, when we had our "stand in the hall and talk about everything" sessions. Three or four of us were always talking extensively about our faiths. She and one other were Pentecostal, I was Assembly, and the youngest of us (our little sister) was Baptist.
As sensitive as people's feelings are in this age of spiritual diversity, we as Christians can't radically question or criticize others' belief systems. People can be quick to label us as judgmental and hateful bigots. Our thoughts should be pure, true, and loving. Our actions should follow suit. Speaking about our faith is elemental
to our faith, but so is how we act
in our faith. Opposition is tough, but so is the thought that we might be the one and only reason that someone doesn't listen and ends up with an eternal separation from God.
I'll tell you what, tho... I
know you
are a nice person! I hear it coming through. It's just that you're a leg or two ahead of some of us on what you know and understand. Not making yourself hard pressed to prove what you know as right is probably what comes hard for you. I'm saying this with a loving heart... if you coat it in honey, you'll catch more flies.
I beg you to never, never,
never loose the fire you have for the Lord, girl.
If I hear that you have, I'm coming after you.