[OrangenowBlue]

I agree about how actions speak louder than words. Many people forget that the Bible is a living book. We are not just supposed to say the words, we are supposed to live them. What Jesus did so often was quote God's Word (tell someone how to live) and then give a call to action. He used example leadership and servant leadership. He lead by example, just as Christians (literally Christ-followers are supposed to)

How many times did Jesus heal someone, whether spiritually or physically, and then say either, "follow me" or "go, and sin no more." He gave us a higher calling than being good, it was to be great, through Him.

I have had, and still do have, drug addicted friends. Some have come clean and some have not. I have witnessed people have tobacco addictions that come into church, lay their cigs on the altar, and walk away from a life-threatening habit. What I do with my friends and family (different from parishioners because I have the ability to be more free with them) is I tell them what they are doing is wrong, one time, but I am very serious about it. I tell them that is the only time I will ever tell them that and they should respect me enough to listen. I have earned that respect because I have been their friend for years. I go on to tell them, when, not if, they want help and/or support, I will be there at the drop of a hat.

One of those friends told me one time, and I quote, "LWC, (only my real name, which you know) I want to be as joyful as you are, right now I have now joy in my life. I have times when I am happy, small moments, but after I come down, I'm more lonely than I was before." That is tough stuff to hear but they see a Christian life and know it is what they want. I always tell them about the cross-shaped hole in our hearts we are born with. Many of us try to fill it with everything imaginable, but the only thing to fix our born void is a relationship with Jesus.

As a Pastor, my conversations have to go different because I may and will be dealing with people I have a different or no relationship with. I have learned that people respect you more if you are honest with them. If someone comes to talk to me about a problem, sin or struggle, I am honest and frank with them. They are not coming to me about a sin-struggle for me to fluff them up. I tell them:
1. What they are doing is wrong
2. I am still going to love them
3. God is still going to love them
4. Even though we love them, it is heart breaking when they sin
5. If they ever need me, I am only a visit or call away, but more importantly God is only a prayer away. Talk to either, preferably both about it. (Prayer is more important than talking to me, but I want to help, that is why I say both)
6. Can I pray for you now and give you a few verses to take with you? (I write down a few verses and give them a Bible, if they do not have one)
7. I let them know I am going to be praying for them daily. (Whether someone is a church-goer or not, they still see the caring and love in someone that uses prayer as a support and not a condemnation)

Aslan, I think we are saying the same thing, but in a different way. I do not condone Bible-bashing and condemnation from a Christian, but I do believe that God's Word is important to be taken seriously. Jesus converted others through His love and example, not because He could recite scripture. Remember, even the Jewish temple leaders could recite scripture.

The ultimate witness to someone is to love them like Jesus and to show them how to live like Jesus.

Another good post!