A Deeper Walk or Judgmental?

[BuckeyeBaby]

My biggest quandary is this: How does one read the word, learn the word and see clearly the instructions and desires of the Lord for our life and then actively pursue the continual growth in "getting there" while still being surrounded by others who are either not making any progress, not desiring any progression, not bearing any fruit and/or simply do not believe in their "inner circle" of friends? How does one continue to grow in their faith while everyone else around them seems to stay the same? It seems we have "nothing" to talk about because they don't want to grow- or they don't "get" what I am saying as I share revelation's I may have received that day from reading or otherwise- and it leaves me feeling "empty" as if there is no one to talk too and subsequently I have become very "isolated" which as mentioned is very difficult for someone who is so outgoing such as myself.

I am in no way saying I am any better than anyone ( please don't misunderstand) but, I am struggling as this group of friends I have had for years continues to dwindle- and in earnest my only desire is for "more" -- I want more of God, a deeper walk, a more serious walk and one that includes other's who "get that"?

But, my friends say I just need to "love them" the way they are- I need to not be so judgemental, I need to accept it if they drink, party, curse, sleep with people, live with people without being married ( while Christians ) because they say they are learning just like everyone else- but, those patterns never really change so are they really learning? Even my more devout Christian friends are saying I need to just "accept" others more and stop being judgemental, they quote scriptures about Jesus befriending tax collectors, prostitutes and the like as a means to get me to see that I need to just "accept" everything and not let it affect me. And then there are those of course who don't believe in God at all.

They say these things to me ( above ) all the while telling me I am the "only" person in their life that is that "God" person for them-- they love that I listen to them, ( but, they don't want to listen to me) they love that I inspire them, edifying them etc. and that's wonderful that I can help them-I am grateful and maybe I am "missing it" isn't that the point after all- to help others? But, still, I struggle.

I find myself thinking and feeling that I want to be around people who are striving towards "the mark" in their life as I am- those that actually want to grow in their relationship with the Lord that don't want to stay complacent and "lukewarm" if you will - and finally I find myself wondering why that desire within me is so wrong and more importantly why I have to "lose everyone" in order to achieve it?

Okay, that's a whole lot of "questioning" I do realize- but, has anyone experienced this? It saddens my heart as I feel like everything that I have known is being stripped away and while there is a deep desire for me to keep going and keep moving forward trusting God - because we have come so far- I do find myself stepping back from time to time trying to "accept" or "force" myself to become complacent with what everyone is "asking" me to do while attempting to live out my own life but, I always feel like there is "more" for me and if I keep in this same holding pattern I won't ever find out what it is?

Thanks for listening new friends and any wise words of experience in this area would be appreciated- thanks!

Edit: It appears the entire top portion of this thread disappeared- sorry ( I'm new ) and it appears I posted this thread in two different forums- sorry again!

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

My biggest quandary is this: How does one read the word, learn the word and see clearly the instructions and desires of the Lord for our life and then actively pursue the continual growth in "getting there" while still being surrounded by others who are either not making any progress, not desiring any progression, not bearing any fruit and/or simply do not believe in their "inner circle" of friends? How does one continue to grow in their faith while everyone else around them seems to stay the same? It seems we have "nothing" to talk about because they don't want to grow- or they don't "get" what I am saying as I share revelation's I may have received that day from reading or otherwise- and it leaves me feeling "empty" as if there is no one to talk too and subsequently I have become very "isolated" which as mentioned is very difficult for someone who is so outgoing such as myself.

I am in no way saying I am any better than anyone ( please don't misunderstand) but, I am struggling as this group of friends I have had for years continues to dwindle- and in earnest my only desire is for "more" -- I want more of God, a deeper walk, a more serious walk and one that includes other's who "get that"?

But, my friends say I just need to "love them" the way they are- I need to not be so judgemental, I need to accept it if they drink, party, curse, sleep with people, live with people without being married ( while Christians ) because they say they are learning just like everyone else- but, those patterns never really change so are they really learning? Even my more devout Christian friends are saying I need to just "accept" others more and stop being judgemental, they quote scriptures about Jesus befriending tax collectors, prostitutes and the like as a means to get me to see that I need to just "accept" everything and not let it affect me. And then there are those of course who don't believe in God at all.

They say these things to me ( above ) all the while telling me I am the "only" person in their life that is that "God" person for them-- they love that I listen to them, ( but, they don't want to listen to me) they love that I inspire them, edifying them etc. and that's wonderful that I can help them-I am grateful and maybe I am "missing it" isn't that the point after all- to help others? But, still, I struggle.

I find myself thinking and feeling that I want to be around people who are striving towards "the mark" in their life as I am- those that actually want to grow in their relationship with the Lord that don't want to stay complacent and "lukewarm" if you will - and finally I find myself wondering why that desire within me is so wrong and more importantly why I have to "lose everyone" in order to achieve it?

Okay, that's a whole lot of "questioning" I do realize- but, has anyone experienced this? It saddens my heart as I feel like everything that I have known is being stripped away and while there is a deep desire for me to keep going and keep moving forward trusting God - because we have come so far- I do find myself stepping back from time to time trying to "accept" or "force" myself to become complacent with what everyone is "asking" me to do while attempting to live out my own life but, I always feel like there is "more" for me and if I keep in this same holding pattern I won't ever find out what it is?

Thanks for listening new friends and any wise words of experience in this area would be appreciated- thanks!

Edit: It appears the entire top portion of this thread disappeared- sorry ( I'm new ) and it appears I posted this thread in two different forums- sorry again!

I found that my original group of friends melted away as I started socialising more with my new Christian friends. I didn't deliberately say to my old friend, "I don't want to be with you any more", but as I became more and more involved in Christian things, my old friends and I drifted apart.

All you can do is to present a testimony of what Jesus has done for you, and that He can do the same for them if they would choose to believe. You cannot make them believe by Bible bashing or nagging them. Also, you won't show that walking in the Spirit is radically different to walking in the world if you carry on socialising and doing what they do. If they choose not to believe, then they will feel more and more uncomfortable with you as you grow in your faith and your lifestyle becomes more and more different to their own.

 

[WESTOZZIE]

It saddens my heart as I feel like everything that I have known is being stripped away and while there is a deep desire for me to keep going and keep moving forward trusting God -

I can totally relate!
Bottom line in all that frustration is the great lesson..."I of mine own self can do NOTHING!!" John 5 and John 14
God strips away any hidden idea we have that we can do the call of God.
See and meditate upon Joseph's story, sold into slavery, ostracised from family, misunderstood, imprisoned, left to rot, learning to grow where planted, serving others, NOT UNTIL he forgot himself and his mighty calling...did God let him out of that circumstance. psalm 105:18-20 also speaks of his trials

 

[John Bowen]

As Jesus said you have to be willing to lose your life for his sake.That might be friends , career everything.When Jesus walked the Earth he said "Leave your nets and follow me ". Nets symbolize entanglements with life other people . Your friends might drift away cause as you grow on the path you have less in common, that's natural .If you are seeking to get validation from them for your beliefs you can get all the validation you will ever need from Jesus . It's just better to be a example to them to see that change is possible than try to preach to them.The path is narrow cause there might not be anyone on either side of you , but Jesus Christ is always in front guiding you.

 

[BuckeyeBaby]

I found that my original group of friends melted away as I started socialising more with my new Christian friends. I didn't deliberately say to my old friend, "I don't want to be with you any more", but as I became more and more involved in Christian things, my old friends and I drifted apart.

All you can do is to present a testimony of what Jesus has done for you, and that He can do the same for them if they would choose to believe. You cannot make them believe by Bible bashing or nagging them. Also, you won't show that walking in the Spirit is radically different to walking in the world if you carry on socialising and doing what they do. If they choose not to believe, then they will feel more and more uncomfortable with you as you grow in your faith and your lifestyle becomes more and more different to their own.

Thank you so much for your response and advice. I must say the "top portion" of my thread was not included and in that portion I noted I was not a "new believer" meaning only this: I have been walking with the Lord for over 20 years and as with many people in the "beginning" of their walk people fade away as you described. This is different -- as some of these friends are a group of Christian friends I befriended years ago in my walk. I am not a "bible basher" but, admit sometimes I "remind" ( if that is nagging ) some friends of previous conversations i.e. ( going around the same mountain making the same mistakes ) as we all have done. Also, I am not "involved" in their life choices myself although I don't even want to be "around it"-- so that might be the biggest part of my problem. But, again, thank you, friend, for your advice. I appreciate it! THANKS!

 

[BuckeyeBaby]

I can totally relate!
Bottom line in all that frustration is the great lesson..."I of mine own self can do NOTHING!!" John 5 and John 14
God strips away any hidden idea we have that we can do the call of God.
See and meditate upon Joseph's story, sold into slavery, ostracised from family, misunderstood, imprisoned, left to rot, learning to grow where planted, serving others, NOT UNTIL he forgot himself and his mighty calling...did God let him out of that circumstance. psalm 105:18-20 also speaks of his trials

What I am reading in your response is practice humility, trust God and study more of the word-- do you think or perceive that I am being "arrogant" in my story? Honesty does not offend me - if you see that objectively in my story I would love to hear that truth. I honestly had not perceived that....

 

[FutureAndAHope]

Sounds like a deeper walk to me. However we do need to be careful that we don't become judgmental, as we get a better, clearer picture of who we should be, we some times forget where we came from. There were times in our pasts where we had imperfections, I am not making excuses for out right sin, rather just stating we need not put heavy loads on others. Maybe pray for the one you see straying, certainly guide them to the path they should be on, but beware of becoming critical.

 

[BuckeyeBaby]

As Jesus said you have to be willing to lose your life for his sake.That might be friends , career everything.When Jesus walked the Earth he said "Leave your nets and follow me ". Nets symbolize entanglements with life other people . Your friends might drift away cause as you grow on the path you have less in common, that's natural .If you are seeking to get validation from them for your beliefs you can get all the validation you will ever need from Jesus . It's just better to be a example to them to see that change is possible than try to preach to them.The path is narrow cause there might not be anyone on either side of you , but Jesus Christ is always in front guiding you.

I understand your response completely, thank you. It's just "hard" but, I know my walk is nothing compared to many others- as mentioned in my post above the top portion of my thread was deleted in which I explained the last two years of intense struggle I endured and the healing God has given me-- many of these things started during that time-- again, thank you-you have given me much to think about. It just feels good knowing "someone" out there has experienced this and/or understands. THANKS!

 

[BuckeyeBaby]

Sounds like a deeper walk to me. However we do need to be careful that we don't become judgmental, as we get a better, clearer picture of who we should be, we some times forget where we came from. There were times in our pasts where we had imperfections, I am not making excuses for out right sin, rather just stating we need not put heavy loads on others. Maybe pray for the one you see straying, certainly guide them to the path they should be on, but beware of becoming critical.

Indeed.. and I agree. I have tried so hard to not be critical and/or judgemental and if you knew me personally you would likely find I do my very best to listen, understand, not criticize ( not perfect by any means ) but, as my walk with the Lord continues ( 20 years now ) this is new for me and I do grow weary of other's "always" shouting judgment when you could not speak truth any kinder. All things cannot be judgement is what I think sometimes-- and I while I always will ( God willing ) remember where I came from I want that to not "hold me back" from moving forward all these years later as well. Thank you so much for your advice!

 

[BuckeyeBaby]

As Jesus said you have to be willing to lose your life for his sake.That might be friends , career everything.When Jesus walked the Earth he said "Leave your nets and follow me ". Nets symbolize entanglements with life other people . Your friends might drift away cause as you grow on the path you have less in common, that's natural .If you are seeking to get validation from them for your beliefs you can get all the validation you will ever need from Jesus . It's just better to be a example to them to see that change is possible than try to preach to them.The path is narrow cause there might not be anyone on either side of you , but Jesus Christ is always in front guiding you.

Thank you SO MUCH this is how I feel and at the same time what I struggle with--just really stinks sometimes - but, I want more of what he wants than what I want....it's just not easy sometimes walking that out- but, how grateful I am that I even have that blessed opportunity when there are so many in the world who do not...thank you!

 

[WESTOZZIE]

What I am reading in your response is practice humility, trust God and study more of the word-- do you think or perceive that I am being "arrogant" in my story? Honesty does not offend me - if you see that objectively in my story I would love to hear that truth. I honestly had not perceived that....

No not at all!! Just keep desiring God my friend, sorry to upset you. Peace

 

[BuckeyeBaby]

No not at all!! Just keep desiring God my friend, sorry to upset you. Peace

Oh no! Please don't misunderstand- you didn't upset me at ALL-- I was asking for your honest opinion that is all-- I am totally open to real honesty-- I'm sorry that my response didn't come across that way-- LOL I was asking if you perceived a tinge of arrogance ( in earnest ) because I might not be able to see it-- that's all! LOL

 

[BuckeyeBaby]

Sounds like a deeper walk to me. However we do need to be careful that we don't become judgmental, as we get a better, clearer picture of who we should be, we some times forget where we came from. There were times in our pasts where we had imperfections, I am not making excuses for out right sin, rather just stating we need not put heavy loads on others. Maybe pray for the one you see straying, certainly guide them to the path they should be on, but beware of becoming critical.

Sounds like a deeper walk to me. However we do need to be careful that we don't become judgmental, as we get a better, clearer picture of who we should be, we some times forget where we came from. There were times in our pasts where we had imperfections, I am not making excuses for out right sin, rather just stating we need not put heavy loads on others. Maybe pray for the one you see straying, certainly guide them to the path they should be on, but beware of becoming critical.

Thank you so much for your wise advice.

 

[ICONO'CLAST]

20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed

mal3
14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?

15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.

16 Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lordhearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.

17 And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

 

[BuckeyeBaby]

20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed

mal3
14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?

15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.

16 Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lordhearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.

17 And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

WOW-- truth- thank you!!

 

[ICONO'CLAST]

(J.C. Ryle, "The Importance of Dogma" 1900)

Eighteen centuries ago the apostle Paul forewarned us, "The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear!" 2 Timothy 4:3

The natural man hates the Gospel and all its distinctive doctrines — and delights in any vain excuse for refusing it.

The plain truth is, that the root of the whole evil lies in the fallen nature of man, and his deeply-seated unbelief in God's infallible Word. I suspect we have no idea how little saving faith there is on earth, and how few people entirely believe Bible truths.

One man is proud — he dislikes the distinctive doctrines of Christianity, because they leave him no room to boast.

Another is lazy and indolent — he dislikes distinctive doctrine, because it summons him to troublesome thought, and self-inquiry, and mental self-exertion.

Another is grossly ignorant — he imagines that all distinctive doctrine is a mere matter of words and names, and that it does not matter a jot what we believe.

Another is thoroughly worldly — he shrinks from distinctive doctrine, because it condemns his darling world.

But in one form or another, I am satisfied that "original sin" is the cause of all the mischief. And the whole result is, that vast numbers of men greedily swallow down the seemingly new idea that doctrine is of no great importance. It supplies a convenient excuse for their sins.

The consequences of this widespread dislike to doctrine are very serious in the present day. Whether we like to allow it or not, it is an epidemic which is doing great harm. It creates, fosters, and keeps up an immense amount of instability in religion. It produces what I must venture to call, if I may coin the phrase, ajellyfish Christianity in the churches — that is, a Christianity without bone, or muscle, or power.

A jellyfish, as everyone knows who has been much by the sea-side, is a pretty and graceful object when it floats in the sea, contracting and expanding like a little, delicate, transparent umbrella. Yet the same jellyfish, when cast on the shore — is a mere helpless lump, without capacity for movement, self-defense, or self-preservation.

Alas! It is a vivid type of much of the religion of this day, of which the leading principle is, "No dogma, no distinct tenets, no positive doctrine."

We have hundreds of jellyfishclergymen, who seem not to have a single bone in their body of divinity. They have no definite opinions — they belong to no school or party. They are so afraid of "extreme views" — that they have no views at all.

We have thousands of jellyfishsermons preached every year — sermons without an edge or a point. They are as smooth as billiard balls — awakening no sinner, and edifying no saint.

We have legions of jellyfish young men annually turned out from our seminaries, armed with a few scraps of second-hand philosophy, who think it a mark of cleverness and intellect to have no decided opinions about anything in religion, and to be utterly unable to make up their minds as to what Christian truth is. Their proud hearts are not satisfied with truths which satisfied the godly of former years. Their only creed is a kind of "Anythingism." They believe everything — and are sure and positive about nothing!

And last, and worst of all, we have myriads of jellyfish worshipers — respectable church-going people, who have no distinct and definite views about any point in theology. They cannot discern things that differ, any more than color-blind people can distinguish colors! They think that . . .
everybody is right — and nobody is wrong,
everything is true — and nothing is false,
all sermons are good — and none are bad,
every minister is sound — and none are unsound.
They are "tossed to and fro, like children, by every wind of doctrine!" They are often carried away by any new excitement and sensational movement. They are ever ready for new things, because they have no firm grasp on the old Scripture truths.

 

[ICONO'CLAST]

WOW-- truth- thank you!!

if and when you read outside of the bible...read Spurgeon, read the Puritans who will take you right back into the scripture...
Charles Bridges on Proverbs 13:20


<< < Chapter 13: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 > >>
20 ¶ He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. {destroyed: Heb. broken}
Every one desires to engrave his own image upon his companions. We naturally therefore take our mold from their society. It is not left to us to determine, whether there shall be any influence; only, what that influence shall be. Walking with the wise — under their instruction, encouragement and example — we shall be wise. Our principles and habits will be fixed, our interest excited, and the resolution formed — “We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” (Zechariah 8:23.) See here the blessing of living in a godly family, hearkening daily to “the wise man’s learning” (Chapter 16:23. 1 Kings 10:8), or in membership with a Church, where each imparts from his store for the increase and edifying of the body. (Ephesians 4:15, 16.) MarkPsalm 119:63.) The world may allure, the ungodly may mock, the evil heart may consent to their voice. But seek you strength from God, and resolve to walk with the wise — “as the LORD liveth, and as my soul liveth, I will not leave thee.” (2 Kings 2:4.) Walk with those, whose acquaintance (2 Chronicles 24.) And how often does the scaffold warn us of the “corruption from evil communications!” (1 Corinthians 15:33. Psalm 1. 18-21; 106:28, 35.) Many a promising professor has been brought step by step to destruction. The horror of sin, the instinctive recoil from it, gradually abates. The fear of God — that cover from sin (Genesis 39:9. Nehemiah 5:15) — is weakened. The hold on the great hopes of the gospel is relaxed. Other objects gain the ascendancy from this disastrous commerce, and the ruin is complete. And when — we might ask — have the godly companied with fools, without injury to their profession, and hazard to their souls? (2 Chronicles 18:3; 19:2.) If we can live in a worldly element, without feeling out of our own element; if we can breathe a tainted atmosphere, without sensibility of infection; if we can familiarize ourselves with the absence of religion in the ordinary intercourse of life, is there no ground of alarm, lest unsubdued worldliness should be regaining dominion?
The first warning to sinners just plucked out of the fire, was — “Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” (Acts 2:40.) And the rule will be to the end — “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” (Ephesians 5:11. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16.) Connection we must often have with them. (1 Corinthians 5:10.) But let our delight be with the saints of God. (Psalm 16:3.) God may soon decide for an halting professor. His patience may be exhausted. His justice may take its course; and those, who are now his companions in folly, will be his tormentors in hopeless misery.

 

[ICONO'CLAST]

1pet4:
4 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:


12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

ex
Exodus 23:2
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:

 

[Halbhh]

Indeed.. and I agree. I have tried so hard to not be critical and/or judgemental and if you knew me personally you would likely find I do my very best to listen, understand, not criticize ( not perfect by any means ) but, as my walk with the Lord continues ( 20 years now ) this is new for me and I do grow weary of other's "always" shouting judgment when you could not speak truth any kinder. All things cannot be judgement is what I think sometimes-- and I while I always will ( God willing ) remember where I came from I want that to not "hold me back" from moving forward all these years later as well. Thank you so much for your advice!

The only right "truth" to speak to others who are lost is the good news -- the gospel -- the words of Christ Jesus.

We are definitely not to single out some sin of their's to preach against. That's not the Good News, not the gospel that could save them.

You love them in spite of how they are imperfect. You aren't obligated at all to approve or seem to approve of any wrongdoing, such as "let's get drunk" or such. For that one, I'd just smile and shake my head, and love them more.

Love.

That's the right action on how to relate to them.

You are not obligated to spend excessive time with them, but your are totally obligated to love, and show that love to them. For me, a key thing is to really appreciate them as they are, and that's crucial for me to how I love someone, the particular way that fits my personality, see, and it's not the only way, but for me it's a way I'm obligated to do, since it's how I love well. Someone else may love in some other ways really well, and those other ways are the ways they are obligated.

So....I told my non believer friends the outright jaw dropping miracle that happened to me, even though it was vulnerable to do so, but it helped a lot that they already knew and loved me too. I took the risk that now they would think I'd lost it, became.... ....what's the right word.... (each situation is unique and different) ... ...for me with those close old friends, the particular risk for us was that they'd think I'd fooled myself, and fallen back into some easy belief of childhood, as if becoming more credulous and naive. Or there was some risk of that. But, see, He is alive!! As we grow stronger in Him, we fear less and less how we lose the world. I did testify, and at that time, while I was just coming into faith, it sounded like this: "Things don't work they way we thought they did." I told them the prayer I made: "Help!", and the impossible seeming result, or the 1 in a 500 or 1000 result. One thought I was just lucky, and later I was able to tell him another, 2nd, miracle, and that explanation became harder for him to maintain (especially since the odds were equally or even more slim, more like 1 in a 1000 or 2000). By the time I was moving to a different city, he knew with total certainty I was saying God is real.

Real.

And it's a 100% certainty.

He didn't like that, because he grew up free and wild and went to a catholic school where they were too strict likely, and that version of God wasn't favorable in his view.

Old prejudices die hard.

But I continued to testify to him, over the years, and as he lay dying after an accident, and could not speak, I whispered in his ear that if he would believe, he could turn to Jesus, and be forgiven!

Don't give up, but ..do...not...be...impatient...with...them!

 

[FireDragon76]

The advice of your friends suggesting that you be less judgmental and emulate Jesus accepting all kinds of people is worth heeding. Pharisaism is always a hazard of a religious life.

When people say they are struggling, but yet you have a desire to be around "real Christians", that is indeed judgmentalism. A nonjudgmental person would simply give the benefit of the doubt in those circumstances. That doesn't mean you have to participate in activities that are objectionable, but it does mean that criticizing people is bound to alienate them. If your criticism creates a stumbling block to the Gospel, that is a serious offense and should not be treated lightly.