ArchivedJehovahs WitnessesLinda: Are the meetings you have with them specifically religious in nature as to intent, rather than just getting together as friends? In other words, it sounds to me as though we have here two 'sides' intent upon proselytizing to one another. Perhaps they are as concerned for your spiritual well-being as you are for theirs, and are attempting to convert you while appearing open to discussing your religious beliefs. When you say you are 'working', when you say also you are experiencing frustration and exhaustion, it tipped me off - I have been in this exact same situation, and here was the lesson I was given. YOU need to STOP working. At that point, your frustration and exhaustion will end. A more constructive thing to do? Set aside the preaching aspect and simply enrich your friendships. Giving them the opportunity to KNOW you on a personal level and see how you conduct your life is a much more compelling testimony than any arguments you might offer for the case of Christ. It is commendable that you would reach out to them. But always remember, God does not 'need' us to do His work. He is all powerful in all things. Trust that He will be using every tool in his arsenal, every event in their lives to bring them closer to Him. By the same token, Satan will be using them if he can to try and shake your faith, to cause divisiveness and bitterness between you, and to generate any kind of evil he can. Satan always tries to use 'religion' to divide people. A quick tour of any Christian debate forum will serve as an illustration! Your prayers and love are way more important in this whole situation than your religious conversations. In this regard (working in the kingdom) we will ALWAYS be frustrated and exhausted! We can give the message in love and compassion, and even though it appears to be futile (in other words, we don't see immediate results) the work of the Holy Spirit is cumulative and being done on many many levels we are not privy to. We are to offer the Good News, then get ourselves out of the way to let the Holy Spirit do His work. So my advice would be: Relax. Pray. Love these women. The door may then be opened for further spiritual conversations, but not until. |
🌈Pride🌈 goeth before Destruction
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