Last night I experienced something that I have never really had in my life: I had a full debate with a non-Christian. (dun dun dun!!)
I have practiced these debates and have been taught what to do and what to say in rebuttal to popular questions/arguments. I have also had miniature debates over specific things about my faith. However, nothing in my Christian up-bringing or training at Lancaster Bible College could ever prepare me for the actual experience. I actually can't believe that it has taken this long for me to get into a heated discussion with a non-Christan. I suppose God was holding that off until He thought I was ready.
Before last night, I dreaded the thought of having to defend my faith. That sounds horrible but it's true. It's not that I don't love God with all of my heart and know what I believe. It's not that I am ashamed of what I believe. It's not that I don't have all the right tools and enough training. It's simply because confrontation is not something that I look for. I don't like feeling like I don't know what I'm talking about or looking like a complete fool in front of others.
This morning when I woke up I realized how completely selfish that mindset is! It honestly isn't about how I feel in that moment when I decide to defend what I believe and the God that I love. It is about showing others that there is a God who can fill those voids and heal those wounds that they are hurting from.
It was so very sad to hear this individual talk about how they are "a really good person" and that they "go to church a lot." They really believed that God was basing how He loved them love by how much they did for Him. My heart just feels so heavy for them! If only they knew that God loves them despite their sin and that there is absolutely nothing they can do to gain God's love... He has already given it to us through Jesus... and there is so much benefit waiting for them.
After this individual was done speaking my heart was pounding... I knew I had to say something!!! At first I was feeling a lot like this guy: tongue tied!!!
But after a few moments of catching my breath, I gained the courage to open my mouth and speak what I knew to be true. Thankfully, there were others in the room and I had plenty of help finding the right words to say. We spent the next half an hour listening to their heart and handing our hearts right back to this individual. And you know what? We left the night not angry at each other (which was my fear) but with a respect for each other.
Thank you God for this experience and for your love that I know so well. Please bring more of these opportunities my way...
I have practiced these debates and have been taught what to do and what to say in rebuttal to popular questions/arguments. I have also had miniature debates over specific things about my faith. However, nothing in my Christian up-bringing or training at Lancaster Bible College could ever prepare me for the actual experience. I actually can't believe that it has taken this long for me to get into a heated discussion with a non-Christan. I suppose God was holding that off until He thought I was ready.
Before last night, I dreaded the thought of having to defend my faith. That sounds horrible but it's true. It's not that I don't love God with all of my heart and know what I believe. It's not that I am ashamed of what I believe. It's not that I don't have all the right tools and enough training. It's simply because confrontation is not something that I look for. I don't like feeling like I don't know what I'm talking about or looking like a complete fool in front of others.
This morning when I woke up I realized how completely selfish that mindset is! It honestly isn't about how I feel in that moment when I decide to defend what I believe and the God that I love. It is about showing others that there is a God who can fill those voids and heal those wounds that they are hurting from.
It was so very sad to hear this individual talk about how they are "a really good person" and that they "go to church a lot." They really believed that God was basing how He loved them love by how much they did for Him. My heart just feels so heavy for them! If only they knew that God loves them despite their sin and that there is absolutely nothing they can do to gain God's love... He has already given it to us through Jesus... and there is so much benefit waiting for them.
After this individual was done speaking my heart was pounding... I knew I had to say something!!! At first I was feeling a lot like this guy: tongue tied!!!
But after a few moments of catching my breath, I gained the courage to open my mouth and speak what I knew to be true. Thankfully, there were others in the room and I had plenty of help finding the right words to say. We spent the next half an hour listening to their heart and handing our hearts right back to this individual. And you know what? We left the night not angry at each other (which was my fear) but with a respect for each other.
Thank you God for this experience and for your love that I know so well. Please bring more of these opportunities my way...
3 comments:
amen Kellz! keepin doin yo thang for the Kingdom!
=D honey i think that you did a great job. I was glad that i was there to see it...because im not very good at debating...so maybe thats why i didnt say anything...but you are right...how could you not want to tell him why God loves him...I love you and i am very proud of you.
Hoping you have times to chat with this guy again. Debates don't usually change minds...it opens up a door to what you know to be true, and then you have an opportunity to just be who you are w/this person. Your lifestyle and your actions will naturally draw out discussion and curiosity. It sounds like he was very open to listening...not everyone is! I'm glad he was seeking and curious. A start to a long reltionship I hope!
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