Enough With The Hellfire

If you grew up in the church, you probably remember the days when you were supposed to "witness" to people by telling them that unless they get saved, they're going to hell. Now, that's not a lie, it's just not an effective, or kind, way to bring people into the kingdom. If we let God control the conversation, we're likely to get better results.

I learned that today when I had lunch with a friend. After we caught up on each other's life, she mentioned that she was having a seriously difficult time relating to her stepdaughter. I've been there and done that so I knew what she was going through. But I really didn't have an answer for her. While she was talking, I prayed. Then it came to me. I told her that I knew that she was a spiritual person. She stopped and got very quiet and nodded her head. I know she doesn't claim to be a Christian, but I don't discount her sincerity or her beliefs. I said that God has the key to understanding this girl. All she has to do was ask Him and believe that any ideas she gets after that are from Him. She stared at me for a minute then said that those words went straight into her heart. She "felt" them.

Then she asked for help dealing with her own issues that she stuggled with being a stepmother. Immediately I knew that the problem was unforgiveness. I told her that she needed to forgive herself, her stepdaughter, the girl's mother, and her husband. Because it was the right word for her, she knew exactly what I was talking about. It made sense to her, even though I could feel some discomfort at having to face it.

I didn't have any agenda to "witness" to her when we made lunch plans. She's my friend and I asked God how to help her. I wasn't prepared for the impact that it had on her. She recieved it so greatfully. Now, if she does ask God for help, she will begin building a relationship with Him that she didn't have before. Most people don't think to ask God for help with their problems and get a real answer. They just hope that He'll do something about it.

Today I learned to listen to heaven in the middle of a converation and say the right thing. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Prov 25:11