Telling random strangers that Jesus loves them

[K9Buck]

I don't believe that telling random strangers "Jesus loves you" is a persuasive way to bring them to him. We probably need to pray to Jesus to go to them instead. Sadly, I rarely do.

 

[Aunty Jane]

not a problem AJ.....however I do see you have a 'religion' :)

Yes I do, but in a Bible study forum, I’d like to just let the Bible speak. Religion has its influence, but to me the Bible tells its own story if we let it. We should allow it to do so….yes?

 

[Aunty Jane]

I think that is actually a problem... when people start debates and don't honestly place all their cards on the table about which direction they are coming from.

And there you have the basis of the whole dilemma….there should be no ‘direction’ except the source of the Christian faith….Jesus Christ. It is when people deviate to promote their own ideas that we get division. Look at Christendom! So hopelessly fragmented that unity is impossible. The truth unites but…….it also divides because it is meant to.
As Jesus said in Matthew 10:34-39….
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to turn a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a person’s enemies will be the members of his household. 37 “The one who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and the one who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And the one who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 The one who has found his life will lose it, and the one who has lost his life on My account will find it.” (NASB)
The division was to separate even members of one’s own family. It’s a loyalty issue…and only Jesus is our judge.

It's important to know WHO we are talking to.... athiest... JW... Mormon... Catholic... etc... it sets the stage for better communication when you can know WHICH DIRECTION your opponent is coming from. It also clears up a lot of misunderstandings from the get go.

What difference should it make? The truth is the truth and what is false is false….God does not see ‘denominations’…..he sees true Christians and false ones…that’s it. (Wheat and weeds)

Which one are we? Which road are we traveling? (Matthew 7:13-14) There are only two, and we are all on either one or the other. At the end when we are judged, there are only “sheep and goats”. So you see it has nothing to do with denominations. Jesus will even judge between Christians. (Matthew 7:21-23) The “many” have no idea that their faith is not acceptable. Their rejection is a shock! That is a sobering thought, don’t you think?

 

[Iconoclast]

Cool. I will overcome my hesitation and tell others of Christ's love for them indiscriminately. Ty

If you want to be more biblically accurate....tell God loves sinners in Christ,not apart from Him.

 

[Addy]

What difference should it make? The truth is the truth and what is false is false….God does not see ‘denominations’…..he sees true Christians and false ones…that’s it. (Wheat and weeds)

I call it deception... I come here to fellowship with Christian believers... but within the forums... that is a difficult to navigate for the exact reason I have stated ( not placing ones cards on the table up front ).

When an atheist comes into the site... It gives me a bit of a feel for where they are at... I try and approach things from their understanding.

When a JW or Catholic comes into the site... I CHOOSE to stay away... because I am not equipped to debate... nor do I wish to. Saves a lot of time.

If one does not believe that Jesus is God... I can't help them nor do I have the tools to convince them.

So yeah... I have noticed much deception happening. People are claiming the Christian card without even believing Jesus is GOD.

 

[Bob Estey]

Is this a good idea or a bad one? On the one hand, maybe some of the people I come into contact with really need to hear that Jesus loves them. Maybe that could even plant a seed that grows into true faith down the line. OTOH, if people are told that Jesus loves them, they may think God doesn't desire them to repent of the sins they are committing, and they become more secure in their sins. I feel like if I don't do it I'm being a coward and failing to acknowledge Jesus before others, which the bible instructs us to do. Lately this is how I've been feeling. Can anyone else relate? I want to be evangelical and I want to work for our Lord and savior. I'm just not entirely sure how to do so. I'm not exactly a gifted orator or gifted at convincing people of things. Any advice?

God bless

We are told not to give pearls to swine. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable telling random strangers that Jesus loves them. Maybe the Lord calls some to do that - I don't know.

 

[Two-Edged Sword]

I don’t believe it’s appropriate to tell random people that “God loves them”. While I believe it is true that God has a benevolent love for mankind in general in blessing the saved and unsaved in varying degrees, He does not “love” the sinner intimately. Romans 9:13 for example records God saying “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

We also don’t know the strangers understanding of “God” so although you mean the Christian God, he may perceive you blessing him in his understanding of god. 2 John 1: 10 &11 commands not to “biddeth God speed” (which I would argue is any type of blessing) to someone holding a different doctrine.

Personally, I’m shy about witnessing and instead often wear Christian shirts with clear verses written on them and maintain actions with a countenance that reflects God.

 

[friend of]

We also don’t know the strangers understanding of “God” so although you mean the Christian God, he may perceive you blessing him in his understanding of god.

I was saying "Jesus loves you" not "generic god loves you". But point taken. Thank you

 

[Truman]

If I was confident the Lord wanted me to tell someone that Jesus loves them, then the Lord would have a good reason for it. The person could get angry; then next week turn to the Lord because of it. You just don't know.
I came to this forum a year ago last July. I felt led to start a thread about UFOs. I had one response. It was someone who said that even though he knew what I said was true, just about everyone else would think that I was a lunatic. He was right.
Last Spring, one of the most popular subjects on the forum was UFOs. The Lord wanted His people to understand what these things are and He used me because I was available. I don't like people laughing at me, but I like it when I please the Lord. He deserves it.
I know His love for me so I'm willing to pay the price.
I wasn't always like this. I used to be controlled by insecurities and at times, the fear of rejection was overwhelming. He's given me victory over this, though there are times I still have to fight it.