How do you deal with opposition?

Power of Prayer · Oct 18, 2019

Hi all! Newbie to the group :wave:

I've been attending an Alpha course at my local church for the past few weeks. We're divided into groups of 10, and we stay with our groups for the entire 10-week course.

Over the past few months, I've studied the bible and have taken the time to read Christian books and educate myself in the faith, so I feel I have a (fair amount) of wisdom to impart.

Whilst most of the people on my table are grateful for some of my opinions and seem to appreciate my input, there is one person in particular (calls herself a Doubting Thomas) who disagrees with almost everything I say. It surprises me because she attends the same church, yet she doesn't seem to have a great deal of faith.

Just wondered how people deal with opposition? How does it make you feel when others contradict your opinions and almost make you feel silly for believing in God?

Much appreciate your thoughts! :angel:

devin553344 · Oct 18, 2019

Power of Prayer said:
Hi all! Newbie to the group

I've been attending an Alpha course at my local church for the past few weeks. We're divided into groups of 10, and we stay with our groups for the entire 10-week course.

Over the past few months, I've studied the bible and have taken the time to read Christian books and educate myself in the faith, so I feel I have a (fair amount) of wisdom to impart.

Whilst most of the people on my table are grateful for some of my opinions and seem to appreciate my input, there is one person in particular (calls herself a Doubting Thomas) who disagrees with almost everything I say. It surprises me because she attends the same church, yet she doesn't seem to have a great deal of faith.

Just wondered how people deal with opposition? How does it make you feel when others contradict your opinions and almost make you feel silly for believing in God?

Much appreciate your thoughts!

It gets easier with time. I used to get offended, but now it's still offensive but I can handle it.

Welcome to CF :wave:

Favour Blessing · Oct 18, 2019

Power of Prayer said:
Hi all! Newbie to the group

I've been attending an Alpha course at my local church for the past few weeks. We're divided into groups of 10, and we stay with our groups for the entire 10-week course.

Over the past few months, I've studied the bible and have taken the time to read Christian books and educate myself in the faith, so I feel I have a (fair amount) of wisdom to impart.

Whilst most of the people on my table are grateful for some of my opinions and seem to appreciate my input, there is one person in particular (calls herself a Doubting Thomas) who disagrees with almost everything I say. It surprises me because she attends the same church, yet she doesn't seem to have a great deal of faith.

Just wondered how people deal with opposition? How does it make you feel when others contradict your opinions and almost make you feel silly for believing in God?

Much appreciate your thoughts!

Favour Blessing · Oct 18, 2019

Develop a close relationship with the Holy Spirit through spiritual songs and study the Word of God for yourself to help your spirit grow in the Lord. There are some people who will make you confused and disturbed. You need more of the Holy Spirit to help you avoid destructive criticism.
<staff edit>

miggles · Oct 18, 2019

Power of Prayer said:
Hi all! Newbie to the group

I've been attending an Alpha course at my local church for the past few weeks. We're divided into groups of 10, and we stay with our groups for the entire 10-week course.

Over the past few months, I've studied the bible and have taken the time to read Christian books and educate myself in the faith, so I feel I have a (fair amount) of wisdom to impart.

Whilst most of the people on my table are grateful for some of my opinions and seem to appreciate my input, there is one person in particular (calls herself a Doubting Thomas) who disagrees with almost everything I say. It surprises me because she attends the same church, yet she doesn't seem to have a great deal of faith.

Just wondered how people deal with opposition? How does it make you feel when others contradict your opinions and almost make you feel silly for believing in God?

Much appreciate your thoughts!

that doubting thomas is no doubt a troll. she is there to upset people.

Power of Prayer · Oct 19, 2019

devin553344 said:
It gets easier with time. I used to get offended, but now it's still offensive but I can handle it.

That's reassuring to know! I get offended too and can't help but take it personally. It just seems so strange that we're preaching something that we know to be the Truth and yet, still get upset when others don't believe! I wonder why that is?

Power of Prayer · Oct 19, 2019

Favour Blessing said:
Develop a close relationship with the Holy Spirit through spiritual songs and study the Word of God for yourself to help your spirit grow in the Lord. There are some people who will make you confused and disturbed. You need more of the Holy Spirit to help you avoid destructive criticism.
<staff edit>

That's really great. And makes a lot of sense! I guess I still feel uneasy with earthly matters to allow myself to be confused and disturbed. Thank you for the advice. I'll definitely do this! :amen:

Power of Prayer · Oct 19, 2019

miggles said:
that doubting thomas is no doubt a troll. she is there to upset people.

I guess she feels upset in herself? Maybe not happy in herself. It's almost like she's looking for someone to change her mind but she's just not convinced enough yet. I leave it in God's hands :pray:

devin553344 · Oct 19, 2019

I think that is because when someone doubts us, it questions our faith and what we have come to believe. And it's the doubting projected onto us that hurts. At least that's my experience. It's similar to calling someone wrong, which blends into other areas that I won't name since they are offensive, but being wrong to them is similar to other offensive accusation attacks.

Tolworth John · Oct 19, 2019

Power of Prayer said:
Hi all! Newbie to the group

Whilst most of the people on my table are grateful for some of my opinions and seem to appreciate my input, there is one person in particular (calls herself a Doubting Thomas) who disagrees with almost everything I say. It surprises me because she attends the same church, yet she doesn't seem to have a great deal of faith.

Just wondered how people deal with opposition? How does it make you feel when others contradict your opinions and almost make you feel silly for believing in God?

Much appreciate your thoughts!

There are two responces you can adopt.
first is to note the type of responce you get from her and to do more research to anticpate her objections.
second is to ash questions like 'Why do you believe that?' or 'What evidence do you have for that view?'
Be sure that you can answer these question yourself.
Try sites like coldcasechristianity, toughquestionsanswered, reasonablefaith Q+A, and answersingenesis.

Power of Prayer · Oct 19, 2019

devin553344 said:
I think that is because when someone doubts us, it questions our faith and what we have come to believe. And it's the doubting projected onto us that hurts. At least that's my experience. It's similar to calling someone wrong, which blends into other areas that I won't name since they are offensive, but being wrong to them is similar to other offensive accusation attacks.

Yeah, you're right. I felt as though it was a personal attack because it was questioning my faith and everything I've believed so far, as you've said. A couple of people in my group believe that faith is a gift that God gives to some people and not to others. I reiterated that the bible says, "Unto every man is given the measure of faith.." it's simply up to us to release it and to use it. And it really is that simple. I don't understand why they make it so complicated and feel that they've been left out. So much so, that they're willing to stand their ground and oppose any kind of positivity in the group! Why wouldn't anyone want some of that positivity? Why do some people insist on remaining in the dark? It baffles me

Power of Prayer · Oct 19, 2019

Tolworth John said:
There are two responces you can adopt.
first is to note the type of responce you get from her and to do more research to anticpate her objections.
second is to ash questions like 'Why do you believe that?' or 'What evidence do you have for that view?'
Be sure that you can answer these question yourself.
Try sites like coldcasechristianity, toughquestionsanswered, reasonablefaith Q+A, and answersingenesis.

This is really useful - thank you! I think you're right... asking why she believes that and asking for the evidence would catch her off-guard a little and perhaps make her question why she holds such steadfast views against the existence of faith. Everyone has a story to tell. I have no idea what has happened in her life to make her so doubtful and almost resentful. Perhaps she may be willing to share this with the group one day...

ChristianGirl_96 · Oct 19, 2019

Tolworth John said:
There are two responces you can adopt.
first is to note the type of responce you get from her and to do more research to anticpate her objections.
second is to ash questions like 'Why do you believe that?' or 'What evidence do you have for that view?'
Be sure that you can answer these question yourself.
Try sites like coldcasechristianity, toughquestionsanswered, reasonablefaith Q+A, and answersingenesis.[/QUOTE!)
I love your responses!

devin553344 · Oct 19, 2019

Power of Prayer said:
Yeah, you're right. I felt as though it was a personal attack because it was questioning my faith and everything I've believed so far, as you've said. A couple of people in my group believe that faith is a gift that God gives to some people and not to others. I reiterated that the bible says, "Unto every man is given the measure of faith.." it's simply up to us to release it and to use it. And it really is that simple. I don't understand why they make it so complicated and feel that they've been left out. So much so, that they're willing to stand their ground and oppose any kind of positivity in the group! Why wouldn't anyone want some of that positivity? Why do some people insist on remaining in the dark? It baffles me

Yeah I think I know what you mean, negativity appears to be a coping mechanism for some people.

Tolworth John · Oct 20, 2019

Power of Prayer said:
This is really useful - thank you! I think you're right... asking why she believes that and asking for the evidence would catch her off-guard a little and perhaps make her question why she holds such steadfast views against the existence of faith. Everyone has a story to tell. I have no idea what has happened in her life to make her so doubtful and almost resentful. Perhaps she may be willing to share this with the group one day...

Just be prep[ared to answer those questions yourself.

How do you deal with opposition?

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