Excessive witnessing to non-believers?

I completely understand 100%, that as a Christian it is your job to spread the gospel and save souls from hell out of love for the human race...

But doesn't the bible teach that Matthew 10:7 7 "Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words--go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet."

Where in the bible does it mention badgering somone over and over until he is finally saved?

Not only is it wasting your breath, but when you try to shove ANY view (not just religion) down someone else's throat, it pushes them farther and farther away. Isn't it better to be a walking light and a shining example in all that you do?

I know not all "believers" are this way, but I think it's important to realize it's not what you say, but how you say it :)

Agree or disagree? Your thoughts?

-Blessings

You have thought this out well and a lot of my fellow believers do go a little overboard but I believe that Jesus said 'cast not your pearl before swine less they turn and trample you.' And some folks you can just answer their question and they get a little crazy. You just never know how much pushing someone has already experienced.

Speak softly and carry a big stick (notice it doesn't say a big Book!!) Chuckle ( yeah, i laugh at my own jokes!!)

Agreed.

I don't think any person should hear the gospel twice until all have heard it once ;)

God bless :)

I'm sure the people in Noah's day felt he was badgering them about a warning of a coming flood. Didn't they all drown?

"you catch more atheists with honey than condemning them to eternal hell" - ancient proverb

Jesus did not come for the righteous

By that scripture it sure seems that christians should all log off of here permanantly. I'm not saying they should. But that's how I would interpret that.

Wow. I'm Atheist and I agree with you. its very rare that someone that isn't an Atheist understands what you just said.

Unfortunately, you know they aren't going to listen, don't you? They'll just say "I'm doing it save their soul" and keep on harassing.

You just might be the only rational Christian to ever visit this site...

That is exactly right! The bible does teach that if no one is listening to your words, to cease preaching. A lot of people just don't know this.

AMEN! Thank you for saying it so well. If only my fellow Christians all understood it!
SN

Most of the people who are overly zealous in their approach to evangelism suffer from other personality issues, whether it's simple immaturity or a more serious mental or emotional disorder. I know hundreds of Christians and none of them are like that. I guess I shouldn't say "none". I'm acquainted with at least one who's completely over the top. But as I said, he's also mentally ill.

I think those people would be irritating even if they weren't Christians. It would be something. It just happens to be Christianity.

I agree completely. If my only exposure to Christianity was the people who acted in such a manner, I would have a very negative view of all Christians.

Thankfully, I know many Christians in my day to day life who show me the other side of Christianity.

I just got a great book today called You Don't Have to Be Wrong for Me to Be Right: Finding Faith Without Fanaticism
by Brad Hirschfield that speaks of respecting others faiths while following your own. I can't wait to read it.

http://www.amazon.com/You-Dont-Have-Wron...

I agree. Most people have heard the Gospel, they have rejected it..That is their right to do so. Leave them be. We should worry about our own walk with the Lord.

I think witnessing itself is the problem... it personally offends me when people try to "save" my soul, as if I am somehow lost without their particular brand of religion.

You are quite right.
The basic idea is to 'draw' people to God, not to drag them.

But, define "excessive". If someone's house is on fire, when does it become excessive trying to get them out and you stop?

Some folks see unbelievers as partying and singing in a sinking boat and are trying desperately to get their attention and get them to dry land. But, they are having such a good time they don't want to listen to 'crazy talk'.

When do you stop? When does it become excessive to save someone's life?

But, you are still correct, we don't want to be a cause for someone to reject being saved.

Yes, you are right! I agree we should let the Love of Christ lead our thoughts and when dealing with people think of how he would have done and do as he would have done. Isn't that our ultimate goal to become Christ like and follow his examples. In all reality it is a persons decision to accept Christ and God has his own ways of bringing them to him. I know he did with me! God Bless you!

I'm a Christian (well Mormon technically, so maybe you won't consider me a Christian... but I consider myself to be a Christian) too, and I completely agree with you.
Badgering just turns people off from religion, as well as ongoing preaching. I mean it's one thing to briefly explain your beliefs, and a different thing to badger people with them. It's better just to be a good person and earn respect that way than the evangelize constantly, ya know? Actions speak louder than words.

I think that trying to force people to believe the same things you do is a bad, bad idea and just creates more anger and prejudices in the long run. And that's certainly no good.

I agree!
We should share (not shove) the message of Christ with others. And we can be a shining example and testimony of Christ in the way we live our lives!

We can't force someone to be "saved" anyway ~ their heart has to be open. Some people are pushed away simply by opening your mouth and sharing, in normal conversation, day-to-day blessings from God ~ their hearts are hardened.
It has to be in God's timing, plan, and circumstances!

You have spoken well "Grasshopper "

You are correct, it is The Holy Spirit that saves souls and transforms hearts. Our duty as Christians is to preach the Gospel truthfully and without guile or deceit, not to convince or someone convert to religion; The Holy Spirit converts.

If you have told the Truth accurately and they refuse it, then the sin is on them not you. If they don't convert right away, they may years later remember when a Christian witnessed to them with love, kindness, and humility and want that Spirit for themselves. So yes, I believe you are correct for the most part however there are some people who respond better to a smack to the head and then a kind word, so just go wherever the Spirit leads. Goodbye and God bless!

I honestly believe that people who do that ruin it for the other less zealous Christians

My Word will not return to me void.....It shall accomplish that which I please, and it SHALL prosper in the thing where unto I sent it" - God (Isaiah 55:11)