New Christian converts may experience a phase where they are beginning to realize the flaws in their lives or personalities. It usually comes after some experience with the Bible, and they slowly change themselves according to God's word.
However, even though they have a new faith and are on the path of truth, goodness, and beauty, their classmates and colleagues haven't changed. This causes faith and reality to collide, and Christians find themselves gradually out of place, not being able to see eye to eye with non-believers.
Over time, non-believers find Christians strange and it can extend to all people who have faith.
Some Christians say that, "New believers are especially kind, being only recently cleansed by the truth. But what can be done when a roommate or colleague is a terrible person and uses verbal abuse to isolate someone, saying that they are odd?"
Pastor G offered several tips for new believers to help protect themselves.
Have the right attitude
"New believers may experience offensive words from society outside the church, especially if he or she says something Biblical that another person cannot understand. This is because they don't have any faith and their thoughts are based in the world, so it shouldn't make Christians depressed."
The church is a place of love, so some Christians may feel stressed and have a hard time adjusting to society outside church. A Christian's faith is not against the world, rather the desire of the faith is to save more souls. Therefore, Christians should have a right attitude toward their colleagues and friends who don't believe. Because if they don't believe, Christians' actions and speech sometimes need to be less "spiritual" so they can feel comfortable and understandble. Just as Paul said, "I have become all things to all people, that I might, by all means, save some." (Corinthians 9:22)
Second, grow strength to withstand misunderstandings by serving.
"The church needs to observe new believers when they first come, and help them find a suitable position for them." Pastor G believes that "The positions are very important. Whether it is participating in the service of groups or of the church, Christians need positions that suits them."
Service can help new believers put their faith into practice as well as helping them grow quickly. "When they see the passion of others, they want to be a part of the church, to carry on the love and anointment of the church. After this, they naturally withstand misunderstandings from society."
Third, communicate with pastors and other believers.
Some new believers get pushed out in the workplace or at school, and they can be left without a place to vent their depression. "They need a person to confide in, regardless of whether it is a pastor or another brother or sister." Every Christian has experienced times like this, and they have a rich experience in dealing with society. By talking with them, the depression can be eased and new believers can get valuable advice and help.
Finally, Pastor G said that faith is not mysterious; but, normal and simple. Christians should get along with people in the same way before and after conversion. The difference is that they should be humble, have a gentle heart, and imitate Christ to be kind.
Translated by: Grace Hubl
