I'm the only Christian in my family! How do I deal?

[JFitz]

Hi Everyone,

I am the only Christian in my family. My biological father is not in the picture and my mother's side of the family is full drinkers and party-goers. If you bring up church or anything to do with faith they poke fun. My mom and sister have always gone to a united church (or as I like to call it Christian-Lite). They believe but I don't think they truly KNOW Jesus. As anyone ever had a similar situation? How do I deal?

God Bless,
Jess

 

[Sketcher]

Are you in the house or out of the house?

 

[JFitz]

I live in Toronto. My Mom and sister live together in Ottawa.

 

[laconicstudent]

Hrm. If your up for a drive, there's a monastery some 40 miles away, in Niagra Falls, NY. The fathers of that monastery could surely give you some good advice.

Holy Cross Monastery, Niagra Falls NY

 

[SharonL]

No need in telling them - just let them see the change in your life and you be the witness that they will want to be like. God's love will shine through you and it will be obvious.

Let your lifestyle tell them the change in your life and in that way you will grow stronger and be able to hold your head up high when they laugh or make fun, but never let them dampen your love of God. Let them see your strength in the Lord and how walking hand in hand with Jesus and being led by the Holy Spirit is something to be envied and not something to laugh at. Your strength will be a great witness.

 

[Peripatetic]

I'm usually respectful of their beliefs (or lack thereof), but whenever the opportunity arises, I talk about how Christianity has been a positive influence on my life and answer any questions to the best of my ability. I can usually tell when someone is open to hearing more or is not in a place to have faith at this point. Still, there's always the chance to plant a seed that might grow later. I find that being too pushy can sometimes have the opposite effect though, so I look for the right circumstances.

 

[heron]

I'm usually respectful of their beliefs (or lack thereof), but whenever the opportunity arises, I talk about how Christianity has been a positive influence on my life and answer any questions to the best of my ability.

People usually poke fun when they know what the reaction will be. When you start reacting differently, not rewarding their criticisms, they will do it less. If you react with offense or arrogance, then they will prod more.

Jesus made friends with tax collectors and sinners. Those were the people who usually scoffed at religion! How did He do it... hm. I am guessing He did a lot of listening and respecting.

At least you know your family attended church, so they will not be totally opposed to your beliefs. You'll get some comments like, "Now you're too good for us?" But just exercise restraint quietly. When you think of your life as not all about you, but about what God wants to do through you, then it makes things a lot easier.

 

[JFitz]

Thanks everyone! God Bless

 

[NatalieJF]

I'm the only Christian in my family as well. My family is not religious at all. I used to be an atheist too. I don't really talk to them about my new Christian beliefs because I don't want to hear their criticisms. But I recently joined a Women's bible group, so hopefully I will meet other Christian ladies there.