Comment threads shine light and build bridges

I have a very unusual praiseworthy moment to share. The fact that it came around is Christmas is great, as well

This might take some explaining, though, and it's sort of a "had to be there" moment. Or in my case, had to be a part of what was going on.

Basically, someone on Youtube that I was subscribed to was giving his thoughts on a very unique Hanukah special of some cartoon, since he had already elaborated on Christmas specials in another video. I was just watching since I liked the guy and it had nothing to do with the Christian faith at that moment.

What needs to be understood is that the guy made it clear he wasn't religious; he just liked the Hanukah special for being informative and unique since it wasn't often done (despite the numerous "Jews in Hollywood", but I digress). My point is that he said nothing bashing any one faith in particular or anything, he just wanted to look at something unique that got overshadowed by Christmas. No hostility whatsoever towards anybody in his tone or anything, and after watching the video I didn't think much of it. The Youtuber doesn't even identify as an atheist or agnostic despite qualifying as one; he just doesn't want to go by labels like that. I didn't mind him being "non-religious"; his topic of interest didn't intersect with it much, and this was just one rare occasion where it did.

But then someone else, evidently another Christian, commented, "So, do you hate Christians?" To which the Youtube responded, "WOW. How do I respond to something so stupid?"

He said that because it was annoying to him; he had gone out of his way not to offend anyone and was nothing but his friendly self (whatever sins he has are unknown to his viewers like myself, I know he's not perfect or anything), but basically he was rightfully offended that he was being accused of anti-Christian prejudice when he had hardly said a word against Christianity. The cartoon special was about Judaism and Hanukah, so there was no need to.

So I jumped in and told the other offended Christian, "No, he doesn't hate anybody, it's very obvious that he doesn't". And I had to explain to the guy that just because the Youtuber was fascinated by one thing doesn't meant he hated another thing. The other Christian didn't seem to get that the Youtuber had called his COMMENT stupid, not him.

So then the offended Christian explained where he was coming from and why he was being so cautious. Here's where the situation gets more spiritual:

He said that he had been bullied by atheists for being religious and that he was extremely cautious about that.

For background, I myself had a similar paranoia once. I realized that this other person was at a stage in my life that I had once gone through, and I felt so much pity for him. I was raised in a "Christian" environment, but growing up and gradually discovering that there was another, secular world out there that didn't agree with my belief scared me sometimes. I'll admit I was downright TERRIFIED of atheists for a large portion of my life, and evidently this poor guy was like that, too.

So I explained to him what it truly meant to be a Christian, and that we couldn't just live in fear of persecution. I'm not quite sure if the guy was really listening to my words, but as the discussion went on, it was clear that he lived in fear of everyone. He felt like he had to please people, and because he wasn't doing it right he didn't really deserve to live.

I was thorough in explaining to him that God loved him, suicide was not an option, etc. I don't think he was going to do it, but he seemed to be both upset at "discovering that the Youtuber hated Christians" (not true) and for misunderstanding him. He felt ashamed of his sin and felt that God wouldn't forgive him.

I did my best to explain actual Christian doctrine--it was clear this poor fellow needed to feel God's love badly--and eventually everything was straightened out. The offended Christian realized he had just been too hostile and misunderstanding, and while the Youtuber gave him some good advice on not assuming things about people, I made sure to remind the guy what it truly mean to be a Christian. Although I will say we were not "teaming up together" or whatever.

But in the end, the Youtuber thanked me for helping to diffuse this situation and said I was giving Christians a good name. I cannot tell you wonderful it felt to hear that coming from an unbeliever!

I didn't push my faith or anything to him, but I did my best to clarify Christianity to the offended other Christian. The Youtuber also admitted to me that he wasn't part of any religion because he just didn't want to place himself in groups. Now, obviously, the body of Christ is no mere group, but I could see how an outsider to the faith like himself would see it that way. So I briefly explained that my reasoning behind being a Christian wasn't based on "being part of a group" but rather the love I felt through Christ.

Otherwise, though, most of the doctrinal stuff was directed towards the other guy who should have already known. But just like me when I was in that "The atheists are out to get me!" phase, he just didn't seem to know. So I did my best to explain how to view his worries in light of the Gospel and even mentioned CF

I look back on the experience from yesterday and think, "What were my motivations?" I feel like the best answer would be that I was motivated by the Holy Spirit/Jesus/God to just help this confused brother and quell the tension, but a part of me is worried that I was just sort of sucking up and trying too hard to be a peacenik. It almost seemed unnatural, what I was doing. And yet I feel like ever since I've been filled with the Holy Spirit I NEED to try and help and encourage people whenever I can. CF has been a great place for that, but I'd like to help non-Christians, too.

But it was just a great moment, because I got to both encourage and build up a fellow Christian and build a bridge for an unbeliever. I feel like now that he's seen all of my comments to this other guy, he might be compelled to at least take a look at Christianity himself. I MIGHT have just planted a seed in his heart and encouraged that other Christian, and even though I'll probably never know for sure, I feel like something good could happen because of it

What do you all think about this?