What can I do to help my parents stop worrying about my faith? [Spirituality & Religion]

I was raised atheist, by atheist parents. Recently, fortunately, I've come to accept Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. My parents do not like that. They are geniunely afraid I'll end up in a cult because of my belief in God.

What can I do to make it easier for them? I don't want to compromise my Christian values (even though it's not like they cause conflicts with their lifestyle that much anyway), but I don't want them to worry so much about me, there's simply no need for it.

I've been trying to act lovingly and acceptingly towards them even when we argue about faith, which seems to work. Any further advice?

Similar personal experiences are also welcome.

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Gamalon · 31-35, M

Hey Boallods, I’m glad to hear that you are Seeking Jesus in your life. It seems lime you have two parents who do seem to care about you and love you but they do not understand the walk you are on just yet. As you grow in faith, seek out a good bible so that you have something to refresh your heart and mind. The reason why I suggest it is that the words of scripture help in in many ways to be gentle and compassionate to those who disagree with us. One verse Romans 12:18 says “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you live in peace with everyone.”

The only time evangelizing (helping other to come to Jesus) with WORDS seems to be effective for the most part is when
1. The people open up to YOU with an open mind and a willing heart. This means that they are curious or interested in your beliefs NOT FOR THE SAKE OR ARGUMENT but for reflection and understanding.
2. People APPROACH you to ask you to pray for them and to help them grow. At these times you share YOUR STORY and why you believe, not trying to make it perfect and masterful, but in your own personal words.

Sometimes there IS NO GOOD TIME for words because ppl are not willing to hear them But by walking in faith (see below) and living in goodness, you may touch their hearts and keep the peace.

Lastly, to address your issue of your parents working about you following a “cult” (which IS a legit concern for parents even of Christian faiths) is to still be you. You were made to be you. And only you can be you. As you walk in faith continue to be kind, generous, civil and all the moralistic things they taught you, God and Jesus will build you up to be the best “you” you can be. But it will still be uniquely you. Not Disciple 90210

I hope this helps.

Boallods · 26-30, M

@Gamalon Thank you, Gamalon, for such a lengthy response.

The question was not about me, as you may noticed (at least, I intended it not to be). Though I am troubled when conflicts such as these happen, I have the Holy Spirit to comfort me.

I read the Bible everyday (with occasional slips). But I'm a new convert, a new saint, so I'm more focused on doctrinaire issues in the Bible, rather than the Bible as a comforter.

I hear you what you say about ppl not wanting to hear our message. My parents approach me with the explicit intent of "leading me back to the right path". Little use of arguing there.

Again, I'm a new convert, so I am yet to see what God has intended for me and my life. I can't hope to know that right away, but I can that I might, one day.