Listen

An interesting link, http://johnshore.com/2010/10/23/what-non-christians-want-christians-to-hear-2/ that I have been trying to live the last few months. In Christian attempt to bring truth to the world, we tend to be overpowering. I harken back to the old song we sang in the 70's, you know the Flower Power era, They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love.
I cried one morning reading how Jacob, when meeting his brother after many years, sheltered all his family, especially his beloved wife and Joseph. Esau ran to his brother with open arms. They chose not to live near each other, but Esau, being the fleshy one, demonstrated love. Jacob, hesitant, because Esau represented the world. Did I hold back my children from situations that I should have embraced those in it?
How often, Christians surround the wagons, as it were, hunkering down in the country club churches, afraid to associate with those non-Christians. They round up the children in Christian schools, sports and guarded overnights visits. But what to do, if your own family is not as strict, when children have to interact with cousins, who may read material not approved by the strict ones? Or watch movies that do not honor God? Sheltering arms and nervous observation stem from the parents.
Can we really protect our children? Is it  on our strength we depend? Have we forgotten to trust God and love as the Bible tells us, as Jesus pointed out was the second greatest commandment?
This link summed it up that non-Christians, just want Christians to listen to them. We in the church call this friendship evangelism. We hear lessons of Jesus with the woman at the well, the Canaanite woman, Philip with the Ethiopian. Ask questions first, slowly develop a relationship, do not judge.
Again, with my writing, my faith is deep, but I want to reach out. I don't want to write for the Christian ghetto, as it has been nicknamed. A story can point to the redemption story without being blatant. I suppose no one wants a heavy sermon. The Holy Spirit draws quietly those who are searching.
As Christians live in the Holy Spirit, with the fruit-love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control- the sweetness should pull people to Jesus. That is the Holy Spirit's job. So Christians must listen, first to the Holy Spirit and then to those in need.