Why is it so difficult for my f(amily) to believe I believe in God?

What’s with all these self-righteous Christians, mostly women, telling you you need Jesus? Like, how do you know I don’t pray? Or, what makes you think you are closer to Him than someone else. I feel like that’s the most hypocritical and anti-Christian thing you can do. What makes one think they know enough about a life that’s not theirs to tell someone they need something they already do? Or, what makes you think your self-righteous condescending “I’ll pray for you” or, “You need God’s help” isn’t of the Devil? What makes one so certain that they know God, and/or someone else better than they do?

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

Well the devil believes in God - and trembles. The evidence is in your lifestyle not your inner thoughts.

AccursedAlexander3 · 31-35, M

@hippyjoe1955 I don’t know why that makes it complicated. I have professed to believe more than once. And I feel like you’re trying to say something else, actually, and your answer doesn’t really help me. It seems kind of irrelevant, I apologize if this seems rude. But what the devil does or does not do has very very little to do with why my mom or dad won’t believe me. Or my faith. I don’t think I should have to prove it to anyone. God is in all things, and I do go to church.

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@AccursedAlexander3 Faith without works is dead. It isn't what you say with your mouth its what you do in your everyday life that counts.

Justice4All · 36-40, M

@hippyjoe1955 exactly 💯

AccursedAlexander3 · 31-35, M

@hippyjoe1955 what or who besides god determines what is a sufficient act of grace or faith?

AccursedAlexander3 · 31-35, M

I think I’m doing as much as I need. Probably more so. Tell me, what do you believe in? Are you doing anything for lent? Or Ramadan?

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@AccursedAlexander3 Grace is what flows out of you when you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Like a graceful dancer or a graceful skater. The Fruits of the Spirit are oozing out of you in everything you do. It is His work in you not you earning your way with Him.

This comment is hidden. Show Comment

AccursedAlexander3 · 31-35, M

@hippyjoe1955 Or are you telling me that it is predetermined that I'm damned?

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@AccursedAlexander3 The point is that if you say you are what you clearly are not it is evident. Your acts and actions are between you and the Lord.

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@AccursedAlexander3 I am telling you that by your fruits you will be known. If you are living like the devil every day don't expect others to accept your professed Christianity. Get right with God and let Him help you.

AccursedAlexander3 · 31-35, M

@hippyjoe1955 That’s exactly what I’ve been trying to say. I go to church, I’m trying to make better life choices quitting smoking, joining a church in the first place, the last ten years, plus this three months because of the holiness of the time. Thank you for your time.

AccursedAlexander3 · 31-35, M

@hippyjoe1955 I’m not. At all. It makes no difference to me if anyone believes me. It seems to me that everyone else wants to make it their business though. It’s be nice to share it with her but it seems to be annoying her. I’d like her to join me and everything else, but knowing that she doesn’t want to hear it makes it seem crazy or strange to her. Both my parents are atheist.

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@AccursedAlexander3 I grew up atheist as well. then one day in a field far away I knelt by a little white stone sticking up out of the native prairie wool and had the most profound Spiritual Encounter of my life. In that instant I knew that my sins were forgiven and that He had saved me to the uttermost.

This comment is hidden. Show Comment

AccursedAlexander3 · 31-35, M

Do you like that book every day much? I get the feeling you know it and do.

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@AccursedAlexander3 I have never said anything about you other than by your fruits you will be known. Those are not my words. I borrowed them from Someone else. If they bite you then it is not me doing the biting.

AccursedAlexander3 · 31-35, M

@hippyjoe1955 I’m not suggesting you have. I’m saying your first response makes me question a few things. What would you do in god’s presence? Dance? Silent in reverence?

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@AccursedAlexander3 Usually I am silent. That way I learn more.

AccursedAlexander3 · 31-35, M

@hippyjoe1955 I like that answer hippyjoe. How can you put anything into practice (like a walk with God) without any knowledge or instruction? Well met.

AccursedAlexander3 · 31-35, M

@AccursedAlexander3 the same reason I didn’t share it on EP, honestly.