1st generation christian esp. pls help!
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i'm a christian and my parents are strong buddhist , esp. my mum.
Everyone around me , my auntie , my sisters and my parents always tell me not to become a christian . To aggravate the matter, im the only and youngest son in the family.
I also never thought i would become a christian one day. However, it happens.
Everyone around me play a big role in influencing my burning interest in discovering purpose of life.
Fortunately, these people are christians(soccer friends, Pre-U school friends and i guess my own curiousity).
i do not want to break the news immediately to them. So, i slowly try to hint to them by placing bible everywhere, missing from my room in Sunday mornng(i always sleep till late and they know service is held every sunday morning), sing christian songs...
my mother start to approach me a few months back" You can go to church but dont get too serious arh!!"
my 2nd sister said to me today "you can go to church but never ever think about becoming a christian, mum and dad will be so depressed and disappointed."
i've been praying faithfully since i became one. i should say this is my biggest worry.. all i can do now is pray and wait for a right moment and break the news to them... or wad do u think ? please advice me... esp. for 1st generation christian.. beside praying and asking for God's helping hand, what should i do? -
Hmm, I would give this advice. Being a christian and living in a place with people who are not a christian can be quite challenging. Its not just a difference in ideals, but viewpoints as well.
Its like being an eskimo in a hot country. However, situations changes overtimes when one learns to adapt. So, initially your family members might be feeling awkward over your religion, but as time passes by, Im sure they will understand you.
Their doubts probably stems from the fact that they do not your religion as well as they know theirs, that could explain why they dont wish you to be involve too much in your religion--they simply lack knowledge on the subject.
When I started going to church, my parents also became very defensive and insisted that I do not dabble too much in it, I even had several quarrels with them over the issue of religion. Eventually, everything worked out when they understood a bit more about christianity. So take it easy, its just a matter of time.
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It all boils down to which is heavier, one side is your dear Jesus, the other is your family. Think how much ur parents did to bring u up. Believe is ok but dun be too engrossed in it.
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actually they are not really sure whether im christian or not, they are very suspicious thou.. instead, WE all know but kinda of pretend ignorance over this sensitive issue? They know i've been going to church and reading bible ..
i also think.. really huge argument or even quarrels are inevitable... -
i have to say Jesus matter most to me. Afterall, my parents are His beloved children too. what my parents did to bring me up are nothing compared what Jesus did to me. I believe it is because of Jesus , He gave me wonderful mum and dad.Originally posted by chunyong:It all boils down to which is heavier, one side is your dear Jesus, the other is your family. Think how much ur parents did to bring u up. Believe is ok but dun be too engrossed in it. -
maybe u should be a christian when you are married.
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Great answer. I really pray that your parents can accept that. I believe you need to let them understand Christianity bit by bit, and show them that Christ works in your life. Maybe then they may accept it. If by any case they do not, continue praying. All the best! Do approach church members or friends for advice too..Originally posted by brown_obsession:i have to say Jesus matter most to me. Afterall, my parents are His beloved children too. what my parents did to bring me up are nothing compared what Jesus did to me. I believe it is because of Jesus , He gave me wonderful mum and dad. -
hold on to your faith but that doesnt give you the licence to be rude to your parents. explain to them politely your personal beliefs. ultimately they allow or not is another issue because i dont believe that parents that dictate their children's personal faith.
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true, must honour your father and mother too !Originally posted by NT2:hold on to your faith but that doesnt give you the licence to be rude to your parents. explain to them politely your personal beliefs. ultimately they allow or not is another issue because i dont believe that parents that dictate their children's personal faith. -
brown_obsession,
seems like you are going through what I had went through before, I am born in a traditional taoist family. Till age 16, I would not have been able to imagine myself being Christian (so uncool, so much rules®ulations ...etc),
So when I first accepted Christ, I was not sure how to let my parents know about it.
So its with much prayers and encouragement from my friends that I sit down and discuss it over with my parents respectfully (key is must be with respect to them), Thank God that after that discussion, my parents was able to accept me being a Christian.
If I may add this, as our parents/siblings may not be ready to be Christian yet, do not try to convert them "by force", especially parents. Do however continue to pray for them, and entrust them into God's hands. Another thing is, must be truthful to them and not keep them in the dark, pray for a right opportunity to discuss things with them in a repectful manner.
May the peace of God keeps you strong. -
ya....so dun get into arguements with your folks. understand where they come from n the kind of mindset they have for their entire life. live out a bold example of the gospel of Christ in your lifestyle....leave bible around is of no use unless they read the walking bible that is you.Originally posted by brown_obsession:true, must honour your father and mother too !
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Hmm, I think you shouldnt think of it in this manner. Jesus said to honour your parents. This means you should honour them for their viewpoints and their believes. It has never meant that you should ignore your parents words in place of Jesus. Your parents matters to you also. thats why you call them parents and jesus ask you to honour them.Originally posted by brown_obsession:i have to say Jesus matter most to me. Afterall, my parents are His beloved children too. what my parents did to bring me up are nothing compared what Jesus did to me. I believe it is because of Jesus , He gave me wonderful mum and dad. -
try being a christian, and being with a girl who hates christianity. and wants u to give up Christ to be with her, and if you don't, she cuts herself with a razor. how?
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lets see, something about this scenario that's a bit difficult to understand, why would a girl who hates christianity so much want to be with a christian?Originally posted by dumbdumb!:try being a christian, and being with a girl who hates christianity. and wants u to give up Christ to be with her, and if you don't, she cuts herself with a razor. how?
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dats utter bullsh1t. nobody gave u ur parents, i only know ur parents gave birth to u. they created u.Originally posted by brown_obsession:i have to say Jesus matter most to me. Afterall, my parents are His beloved children too. what my parents did to bring me up are nothing compared what Jesus did to me. I believe it is because of Jesus , He gave me wonderful mum and dad. -
i think the best way is show urself ask a LIVING BIBLE.
Honour your Father and Mother forth commandment and therefore obey it
but between ur Heavenly Father and ur earthly father u have to take up a decision whether to follow Jesus wholeheartedly or dont follow at all
JESUS HATES LUKEWARM CHRISTIANS so make a decision and hold on to it lor
and anyway ur parents would gradually understand and would not stop u from going to church de and hor if u behave well and be a good testimony to ur parents i dont think y they wont let u go to church
ur parents will think: wa my boi go to church then become a better person sia y not let him be a firm believer with a firm foundation so next time wont learn bad
these type of things lahz and hor CHUNYONG u have ur own belief ppl have theirs so stop crapping on things u dont really know much on -
Originally posted by demonage:i think the best way is show urself ask a LIVING BIBLE.
Honour your Father and Mother forth commandment and therefore obey it
but between ur Heavenly Father and ur earthly father u have to take up a decision whether to follow Jesus wholeheartedly or dont follow at all
JESUS HATES LUKEWARM CHRISTIANS so make a decision and hold on to it lor
and anyway ur parents would gradually understand and would not stop u from going to church de and hor if u behave well and be a good testimony to ur parents i dont think y they wont let u go to church
ur parents will think: wa my boi go to church then become a better person sia y not let him be a firm believer with a firm foundation so next time wont learn bad
these type of things lahz and hor CHUNYONG u have ur own belief ppl have theirs so stop crapping on things u dont really know much on
You remind me of Havesters!
MC run away... -
shrugs. dun ask me. i'm in that kinda troubleOriginally posted by vince69:lets see, something about this scenario that's a bit difficult to understand, why would a girl who hates christianity so much want to be with a christian? -
where got trouble?Originally posted by dumbdumb!:shrugs. dun ask me. i'm in that kinda trouble
God is using you to bring her into the Kingdom. -
Pray to Buddha to make them change their mind.Originally posted by brown_obsession:i'm a christian and my parents are strong buddhist , esp. my mum.
Everyone around me , my auntie , my sisters and my parents always tell me not to become a christian . To aggravate the matter, im the only and youngest son in the family.
Pray to God to make them change their mind.
Either one should work.
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Jesus Hates ? oh ? i tot he is always forgiving and wat stuff u all always say ? now got hate liao ah ? interestingOriginally posted by demonage:i think the best way is show urself ask a LIVING BIBLE.
Honour your Father and Mother forth commandment and therefore obey it
but between ur Heavenly Father and ur earthly father u have to take up a decision whether to follow Jesus wholeheartedly or dont follow at all
JESUS HATES LUKEWARM CHRISTIANS so make a decision and hold on to it lor
and anyway ur parents would gradually understand and would not stop u from going to church de and hor if u behave well and be a good testimony to ur parents i dont think y they wont let u go to church
ur parents will think: wa my boi go to church then become a better person sia y not let him be a firm believer with a firm foundation so next time wont learn bad
these type of things lahz and hor CHUNYONG u have ur own belief ppl have theirs so stop crapping on things u dont really know much on
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You got it right, Jesus should matter most. BUT, IT IS NOT A CHOICE BETWEEN JESUS AND YOUR PARENTS!!Originally posted by brown_obsession:i have to say Jesus matter most to me. Afterall, my parents are His beloved children too. what my parents did to bring me up are nothing compared what Jesus did to me. I believe it is because of Jesus , He gave me wonderful mum and dad.
Take note, God now has a plan for you, to bring your parents and the rest of your family to Christ!! Quarrelling with your family is the last thing you should do.
If your parents do not insist that you pray to their Gods, it is a blessing from our God and your parents are very kind already.
My suggestion is that you focus on how you live your new life! You can only influence them if you show a POSITIVE difference in you. Dwelling too much in words and religious activities is not likely to impact them. Love, care and tolerance will manifest the love of God, together with your prayers, let the Holy Spirit do the changing of hearts.
May God's blessing be with you. -
I thought your great grandparents gave birth to your parents? no?Originally posted by chunyong:dats utter bullsh1t. nobody gave u ur parents, i only know ur parents gave birth to u. they created u.
your parents sure din come from the rock, evolved from the monkey, or picked up from the dustbin!!! -
It is never, ever a choice between God and our parents!!! if you cannot honor your parents give birth to your physical body, how can you honor your heavenly father who give you life; if you cannot appreciate your parents for your upbringing, how can you appreciate the pain that Jesus endured on the cross??Originally posted by demonage:i think the best way is show urself ask a LIVING BIBLE.
Honour your Father and Mother forth commandment and therefore obey it
but between ur Heavenly Father and ur earthly father u have to take up a decision whether to follow Jesus wholeheartedly or dont follow at all
JESUS HATES LUKEWARM CHRISTIANS so make a decision and hold on to it lor
and anyway ur parents would gradually understand and would not stop u from going to church de and hor if u behave well and be a good testimony to ur parents i dont think y they wont let u go to church
ur parents will think: wa my boi go to church then become a better person sia y not let him be a firm believer with a firm foundation so next time wont learn bad
these type of things lahz and hor CHUNYONG u have ur own belief ppl have theirs so stop crapping on things u dont really know much on
just make sure that you do not use Jesus as an excuse or justification when you quarrel with your parents.
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ok ok thanx, so basically be a walking bible? show even more care and concern towards them, pray to God and at the same time honour your parents. well ppl in my church told me it is a good start for them to say " can go to church but dont get too serious" cos that was what happened b4 they came to christ ( for 1st generation christian) .
And my friend all told me not to rush, cos i always get impatient , wanting to tell them asap but yet if i tell them now.. it is really unwise and when i pray abt it, i dont think it is time yet.. So in the meantime, to keep the pressure off i just meditate phillipians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and minds through Jesus Christ"
i will take note everything u guys said thanx for the encouragment
honestly, i know i should be worried but sometimes i just cant help it.
chunyong, i am emotionally too exhausted to rebut what you say...