Many Christians feel that the more faith they have, the few friends they have and fail to communicate with their non-Christian friends easily. How should Christians live at peace with non-Christians and be the light and salt of the world?
First of all, we should know the myths of getting along with unbelievers. A Christian shares three myths in an article:
Myth 1: Christians always call a spade a spade
One thing many unbelievers cannot stand is that Christians are always too outspoken and speak frankly about anything to anyone. The possible reason for this thinking is that they adhere to the principle that Christians are forbidden to tell lies. However, a lack of wisdom in practicing this teaching tends to trigger unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts, and even cause hurt.
"Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs." (Proverbs 10:12)
"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret." (Proverbs 11:13)
Christians should be honest without lying, but God doesn't command us to say everything. "...Speaking the truth in love." (Ephesians 4:15)
Have proper restraints in speech. We could almost say that honest people hide some things, as it is written, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings." (Proverbs 25:2)
So the author believes that the last things a Christian can say out of love is the sin others commit (Proverbs 10;12) according to the biblical principle. Moreover, don't point out others' fault in public but cover it. But you should tell it to those who have the authority and let them handle it.
Myth 2: Too sensitive to men's words but lacking sensitivity to God's word
The article said that Christians should be sensitive to God's word and avoid an overreaction to men's words. Unfortunately, many Christians behave in the opposite way. This results in occurrence that they are quick to speak and be annoyed, conflicting with others.
The biblical teaching for this scenario is "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry". (James 1:19)
Myth 3: Regard people as your enemies
He adds that some Christians, who treat everyone as their enemy and force themselves to love others, have difficulty in loving another while they consider it great to love enemies. One who regards people as his enemy will absolutely become gradually disconnected with others and be likely to fall into conflict with others. He will feel more and more lonely and lose friends and hardly brings people to the Lord.
Then how to solve these problems?
The article proposed that the first step to resolving conflicts lies in eliminating your hostility towards anyone. Then " do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29)
First, say something nice to them so that they would listen. Secondly, speak to instruct them rather than please them. Third, don't keep reasoning with them but encourage both sides to express their feelings. As Christians, we should also pray continuously and give thanks in all circumstances.
Translated by Karen Luo
