Question on witnessing on Facebook/YT/etc

[Shamu]

My personal approach is a gentler one, because I don't like being "in your face" (although there is enough on my Facebook page for people to know that I am a Christian). But every time I type something advocating that, I don't feel that's the right thing to advise. God uses us in different ways, and if you feel that that is the way he has called you to witness to others, then go for it.

My one word of caution would be Jesus' instruction "Don't throw your pearls before pigs." Some things about our walk with Christ are too personal to be shared except among Christians we trust, and sometimes not even that much (e.g. it may be something to share only with a believing spouse). These treasures are too precious to be trampled on.

Ok, thank you. Yeah I'd say its definatly in my heart to have it there. It's like a burning even. But thats what i'm praying and asking advise about.. Making sure this isn't a 'me' thing - making sure its not too pushy. It's about them, those who never see the Gospel or much of His Word ( like I never did until later in life. ) How they gonna know if someone doesnt share His Word with them?

And oh yeah, if they don't want to hear it.. they definately let you know. (pearls before swine reference)

Perhaps I'm just looking for reassurance in these times where it seems more and more are lacking faith and so much hatred and unedification.

Thank you Everything is helping here.

[Shamu]

Agree totally. I also know when it's important to keep quiet. Many people may see it as a wonderful opportunity to go for the " God talk " when someone is down, troubled or maybe has lost someone.
Personally, i don't go straight in in times like that.
I do the listening bit first. So many people don't apprieciate that " just " listening is so important. Maybe thats why, in times of worry and trouble, so many people find prayer so effective. Because God is mute to all intents and purposes, he listens. He offers no advice, he just listens.
So, so often thats all people want, is someone to listen to them at first. I then ask gentle questions to encourage more talk, just enough for me to gauge what the persons spiritual state of mind is and so often, with just listening, then gentle encouragement, the talk very often gets round to God without them really knowing how it got there.

But as I say, sometimes I know when it's important to keep my mouth firmly shut and just listen as we can sometimes inflame the situation and even thought intentions maybe good, opening our mouths at the wrong time to the wrong person can make the gap between them and God even wider.

One such time was when my very dear friend died on her Son's 18th birthday. i am his Godmother and one Christian said, ( quite insensitively in my opinion ), " oh you know, right now may be a good time to talk about Jesus and tell him how good he is ".
That to me is using this tragic situation to get someone when they are down.
My answer was,,, " Oh right ok, so this young man who has just lost his Mother on his 18th birthday,,, what shall we say,,, oh yeah, ok, your'e Mother has just died but hey, he's good "

18yr old angry kid, just lost his Mother, right, yeah, I can see how that would go down

Thank you, lily Definately when it comes to any type of suffering I think its so good to have ears and/or just be there. I appreciate your sharing about your Godson also.

When my aunt's husband died in a car accident (totally unexpected)... she had a few to drink to ease the pain, etc.... and she asked me when she was drunk - "Why did your God do this?"

I didn't answer of course... I just told her I'm so very sorry and I was just there and kept as quiet as I could. And I know alot of that was the alchohol talking. But man, for me personally it hurt and cut like a knife, like she was blaming me. Thank the Lord He helped me be quiet and I knew the difference. And I know that wasn't her intent. Her pain in her loss was huge . So yeah.. I agree totally being senstive to the situations, when others suffer and/or need help. Prayerfully.. it will get back to God like you said.. without them even knowing it.

I think I'm talking more I think about even having these things on Facebook. etc.
For instance.. you know whats also been in my heart? I've wanted to email a few of my bros & sisters in Christ and ask them to please just post verses on my wall here and there. Buy not sure if I should ask that? Is that wrong?

But I think if we did..its like another witness in His Name.. you know? Thats how I was thinking of it. Posting verses like John 3:16. Romans 10:13, any witnessing verses that are so powerful and show the Gospel.

Do you think that wrong? Is that too pushy? There are some who say " preach the Gospel at all times... use words if necessary." ... Ok yes....But then I think of the verse where it says faith comes by hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ. (Romans 10:17) And some Amens!

So if its my own words, instead of His Word - how will faith come for them in Him - point to Him specifically? And/or what am I doing wrong, or thinking wrong? Or does it all come down to how He leads us individually. If thats the case, I'm guessing I'm just needing some encouragement.

But yeah.. when suffering and hurts come the Lord has shown me to just be there and listen, hugs, love, just being there.

Well I've gotta go.. I'm typing these replies quick as I'm on lunch.. lol.. please excuse typos..etc..lol.

Thank you all so much also for your help. All of this is encouraging and helpful just to talk about and hear your advices.

[Lily]

For instance.. you know whats also been in my heart? I've wanted to email a few of my bros & sisters in Christ and ask them to please just post verses on my wall here and there. Buy not sure if I should ask that? Is that wrong?

Nothing wrong in that whatsoever. If they are true in heart, they will follow you're wishes anyway. Are you a member of the prayer group on there hun ? The one that send daily Bible studies ?
If you aren't would you like me to send you an invite ?
Some days you know, it's sooooooooooo spooky, I open the mail and read it with the rabbit in the headlight stare because it's almost like they knew my thoughts or mood that day and the Scripture sent was just for me.
Ever been in church and you sit there listening to a sermon and thinking, how on EARTH did this minister know I was feeling this way today ! ? Like he's preaching to just you ?

[canny]

you know whats also been in my heart? I've wanted to email a few of my bros & sisters in Christ and ask them to please just post verses on my wall here and there. Buy not sure if I should ask that? Is that wrong?

No its not wrong ,,,,, you got it

[Shamu]

Nothing wrong in that whatsoever. If they are true in heart, they will follow you're wishes anyway. Are you a member of the prayer group on there hun ? The one that send daily Bible studies ?
If you aren't would you like me to send you an invite ?
Some days you know, it's sooooooooooo spooky, I open the mail and read it with the rabbit in the headlight stare because it's almost like they knew my thoughts or mood that day and the Scripture sent was just for me.
Ever been in church and you sit there listening to a sermon and thinking, how on EARTH did this minister know I was feeling this way today ! ? Like he's preaching to just you ?

Yes, its awesome how the Lord does that His perfect timing! Yes, thank you so much - thank you tons, I'd love an invite for the prayer group. I dont think I'm on it..but then again, I've got many applications and groups/pages I belong to & get emails. But anything that is less of me and more of Him is great and prayerfull to witness to others would be awesome. (Please ever let me know if theres anything I can do too!) Thank you (((((((( lily ))))))))) xxx

[Shamu]

No its not wrong ,,,,, you got it

((((( canny )))))) Thank you also for support and encouragement. May the Lords will be done in those who are yet unsaved.. all of our loved ones whom are still without His Truth & Love.. so that they know His love and truth and be with Him forever! In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen! Thank you again, all who responded. xxx