In the past several years as I've grown and gotten older, I've noticed that there are negative stereotypes around Christians that make us look like stuck-up, know-it-alls who think that they are a step above everyone else. When I hear these stereotypes, I get really down about it because I know it's, for the most part, not true at all.

I am proud to be a Christian, but here are some things to know about myself before you make assumptions about me.

1. I'm not going to judge you for your past.

I understand that no one is perfect. I'm far from perfect, and I understand that things happen that we're not proud of. However, just because I'm a Christian, don't assume that I'm going to look down on you or make assumptions about who you are as a person based on your past.

2. Just because we don't agree on some topics, doesn't mean I love you any less.

I get it, I have my beliefs and you have yours. My beliefs may be different than yours, but that doesn't mean that I'm going to love you any less, as a person. I'm the type of person where we can talk out our beliefs and agree or agree to disagree and move on. It doesn't have to get heated or complicated.

3. I'm not trying to 'shove my religion down your throat.'

I'm going to be the first to say, I am proud of my religion and relationship with God. However, if I pray in front of you or listen to a worship song, I'm not trying to offend you or force anything on you in any way. If you want to talk about it, I'd be more than happy to have a discussion with you, but I would never do anything to make you uncomfortable.