Persecuted—or Pushy?
PERSECUTED—OR PUSHY?
Read 2 Peter 1:5-9.
Jordan was a Christian—and she let everybody at school know about it. But the things she did and said often made others angry. When Kelsey sent a text in class, Jordan told the teacher. And when a few girls tried to be friendly and invite her to their party, Jordan just looked shocked and said loudly, “Of course not! I’m a Christian!”
One day she walked home with Tina. “Nobody likes me,” groaned Jordan, “and it’s all because I’m a Christian!”
“I’m a Christian too,” said Tina, “and I have a lot of friends. I’ve even been able to help some of them learn to trust Jesus as their Savior!”
Jordan complained, “I witness like the Bible says, but nobody lets me talk about Jesus.”
“Maybe it’s your attitude,” Tina said. “Kids think you act like you’re better than they are.”
“But I am,” replied Jordan. “I don’t smoke, cheat, or tell dirty stories. You don’t either!”
“Well, that’s true,” Tina smiled. “But I’m still not perfect. And if I didn’t know Jesus, I’d be just like the others—or worse. Don’t forget, Jordan, God loves them as much as He loves us. He wants them to be in His family too.”
“But how can I witness to them?” asked Jordan.
“Try being friendly,” Tina said. “After all, Jesus was known as a friend of sinners. Don’t always be putting kids down. Let them know you care about them and God does too. They’ll be more willing to listen to you then.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you suffered for being a Christian? Be sure your attitude is right. Don’t be afraid to witness for Christ, but do it out of love, not pride. Check to see if the qualities listed in today’s Scripture can be seen in your witness. Don’t be pushy.
TO MEMORIZE:
Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!
1 Peter 3:17
BE A LOVING WITNESS.
From the book
