just my opinion but i think most christians give the word "witness" a bad rap. Think about it....we claim to serve a loving God yet when it comes to trying to "convert" people we slam them over the head with scriptures as to why their livestyle is wrong, then while they're still reeling proceed to tell them we're doin so in love....
is it really witnessing in love..if all we're doin is pointing out what the word says are flaws....and doin so in what comes off as a holier than thou attitude? where is love being demonstrated if all we come off as is critical...we're supposed to be hearers and doers of the word...the only time that Jesus maligned another person was the to the overtly- approval seeking- lost all sight of God- religious zealots of the day...then why is it we as christians feel it's ok to spout off then walk away...or worse tell them we've been there then pick them apart without letting them get a word in edgewise....is it really "christian" of us to say...here's a track, i'll pray for you, then just walk away and never give the person another thought...( tracks have their place but i personally think they are overused)..is it really helping a person want more of God if we as His servants misrepresent Him?...In saying judge not lest you be judged...Jesus wasn't saying dont notice sin...He was saying...the way you deal with others about their sin is the same way you yourself will be dealt with...how can we "witness" so maliciously? tearing down a person is the least effective way of getting them to listen...
the other sad part of being a "witness" is we are supposed to live the message we preach...yet if those who watch us (and believe me we are all watched, whether we are aware of it or not is a different story) see us talking coarsely, backbiting someone, constantly complaining, watching things we shouldnt be, constantly giving the opposite sex the once over..etc...then we've just shot ourselves in the foot...
there has to be a balance...now dont get me wrong..we are to be ready in and out of season to give an answer as to why we believe and Who we believe...i'm just saying the communication of these facts has got to be delivered better than we are doin..otherwise...the lost will think we are just like them and have nothing to offer..or worse..they will be completely soured to the gospel and want no part of it " if those are christians, and they behave like that..then why would i want to be one"
i think the balance comes by letting the person know you're there for them...listening..really listening to what they have to say...and then..they'll want our opinion and we can then point them towards the truth....its an entirely different generation out there...they're not the kind that handles preaching well..they're the kind in which...belonging will preceed believing...so make them feel like they belong..listen...be there for them...you'd be surprised how effective it can be....and leave the bashing...bible or otherwise...to arcade games ....
