Being a Christian is not only a joy, but it is also a responsibility. It is a responsibility to make the daily commitment to live for the Lord and shed His light upon those that we encounter.
Sadly, Christians have received quite the unfavorable reputation in modern culture. Even more sadly, I cannot blame our culture for their negativity towards Christians. Let me clarify. I cannot blame our culture for their negativity towards our religion because of bully Christians. While there are still some Christians that spread the love of God, approach people with kindness, and pray privately for those in need, their good deeds get overlooked by the ferocious nature of others.
Many will ask, is a bully Christian even a Christian at all?
To answer that question, I would have to be God himself, which I'm clearly not. To put it simply, everyone sins, and I'm in no position to judge the status of another person's relationship with the Lord. I think that the main issue is that people don't realize when they are being a bully. They think that their aggression is commendable because they are sharing the gospel. They are blinded to the realization that they are not sharing the word of God with people, but they are shouting it at them.
"Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." (Matthew 6:1 NIV)
Do not be the bully who comments on social media status' telling people that they are sinners; you are a sinner, too. Do not tell someone that they need to believe/do something that you believe/do. Like the old saying goes, you will catch more bees with honey than with vinegar.
"A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends." (Proverbs 16:28)
Refrain from drilling people about their religious beliefs in an abrupt manner when they are clearly uncomfortable. There are ways to interest people in the Lord with gentleness, and they are less likely to be engaged in what you have to say when they feel like they are being interrogated.
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed for their slander." (1 Peter 3:15-16)
Never tell people that if they do not do ____ then they are going to Hell. Imagine if that had been the first comment that someone had told you when you took an interest in becoming a Christian. You probably would have walked away with a foul opinion of Christianity.
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." (Luke 6:37 NIV)
Ultimately, choose to approach non-Christians with love and understanding. Be compassionate. The Lord wants his followers to share the gospel, but we should learn to do it with a humble heart and meek nature. It is easy to become over-excited about the greatness of God and accidentally appear harsh to the outside world. Take a step back, and consider what would have made you comfortable/uncomfortable in their situation. You could be the only Christian that someone ever encounters, so make sure that you leave the best impression.
I'm not saying that I am perfect, either. By no stretch of the imagination am I faultless. I'm only relaying what I have come to learn in my experiences with people who have been on the receiving end of someone who acted like a bully Christian towards them. We should all be cautious and kind in the way that we approach and interact with others.
As Christians, we should strive to bring up the Lord in conversation, answer questions, invite people to church, and offer advice, but the way in which we do these tasks is almost as important as the tasks themselves. Presentation is everything. So, do not be the bully Christian. Do not criticize what you do not understand. Instead, approach others thoughtfully and with integrity. Strive to present yourself in a way that promotes the Lord.
"Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." (Proverbs 16:24 NIV)
