This morning I was going about my routine of cleaning up after the kids when the door bell rang. I answered it and as soon as I saw the two ladies with books in their arms I knew that they were Jehovah's Witnesses. I feel bad to admit that my face probably showed my frustration with having to talk to them. They gave me a pampflet to read and then began to ask me if I was just as frustrated as they were with the way religion in the world is going these days? I said that I knew they were Jehovah's Witnesses and that we didn't agree on things. She said, "well, I'm sure we agree on more than we disagree." I said, "Well, I that may be true but I think we disagree on the things that are the most important." She said she didn't know if that was true. Anyway, she said she is going to come back some time when she is "prepared" to have a talk. I guess that means she is going to bring more materials with her or something.
Anyway, after I closed the door I went to do my Bible study in I John 3 and I was convicted that I wasn't loving towards these ladies. I thought, "I probably just missed an opportunity to show love to two ladies who are obviously deceived and instead I was so stern!" I do know that Jehovah's Witnesses that come to the door are VERY difficult to witness to. But I thought maybe some of you would have suggestions on questions I could ask the next time they come back.
That was the event in my morning and I guess I kind of botched it. But I'd be happy to hear if you guys have any words of wisdom!
-Rebekah
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11 comments:
I've been told to ask them if they believe that Jesus Christ was [and is] the son of God. If they hedge on this or deny that he is. Then tell them that this is fundamental in your belief and begin witnessing for Christ. Maybe they will listen or maybe they will want to leave. I think in the same confident but kind manner they approach you, you should witness back. The problem is they catch us so off guard. I have never been able to do a very good job at witnessing to them. I too have been brief and unfriendly. And maybe that is the Holy Spirit working too. I don't know. Satan could be the one telling you you didn't do well. He is the accuser.
Take courage, Rebekah, God knows you are a very busy Mommy with a very pure heart. Love ya, Mom K
Hi, I'm one of Jehovah's Witnesses (just surfing through) and I enjoyed reading your post. Most people we meet at the door are a bit frustrated, since we're all so busy nowadays, so I don't think you gave the impression that you are an unloving person. We expect this to some degree since we are unexpected visitors. I too can be frustrated when salesmen come to the door. :)
Just keep in mind when she comes back that she is sincere in her beliefs and will always use the Bible to back them up. Many don't realize that witnessing to strangers is not always an easy thing for us, but we do it because we care about our neighbors and we are commanded to bring the Bible's message to them. (Matt. 28:19,20)
TJ
P.S. Jehovah's Witnesses absolutely believe that Jesus is the Son of God. (Matt. 16:16)
Bekah, I have another approach entirely. Steer away! These people are in a cult-like religion, and believe it or not, what you say to them is not going to get through. And I'm outraged that this woman said that she would come back when she was "prepared." That's a total violation of your boundaries! As if she has the right to come to your door and take your time and try to convince you on any number of their ridiculous ideas. As a protector of your home environment for your children, I would suggest that you tell her that you are not open to discussing things with her, give her a pamphlet or two to fulfill your witnessing itch if you must, and then tell her that you don't want to continue any further discussion with her. The fastest that I ever got rid of a Jehovah's witness was that she told me some basic idea, and I told her I agreed with her (she was thinking logically to the wrong conclusion) and she was so surprised that she walked away, like she didn't know what to do. But I don't suggest you try that. It won't work every time. The best is just to tell her you don't want to talk to her.
All the best!
Carmen
Oh! that's freaky! (2nd comment) Did you know that mormons also believe that Jesus is the son of God?
Yes! they do! Evidently we ALL are the sons of God, at the same level that Jesus is the son of God! Religious jargon is the most confusing because everyone uses the same words and phrases to mean different things. Imagine saying to someone "I would like to eat an apple," and they want to puke because in their version of the english language, an apple is that dirty, smelly, white cotton tube thing that you pull off of your foot at the end of the day! Okay...enough rambling!
Carmen
Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jesus is the Son of God - they just don't believe that He is God. They don't believe in the Trinity. I think the Bible is very obvious that Jesus is God, but they have a way of twisting the verses to say what they want. I have a really good audio tape from Stand to Reason that explains how the Bible stands behind the Trinity. It gives arguements people may give to deny this truth and how to confront them. If you want to borrow it, let me know. I found it very helpful! (By the way, thanks for inviting me to your Blog - I feel very honoroed!)
- megan
If you have an example of where you believe we are twisting a scripture I'd be happy to give you our point of view.
TJ
My dear Beka, I find this dialog quite interesting. I believe you are right in feeling that we should always be loving and patient in talking with others, no matter who they are. In Luke, it tells how Christ grew, was strong in spirit, filled with wisdom and grace. Recently Erik and I were admonished to speak in "wisdom and grace". Basically, if we only speak in love, and are so concerned about hurting the other person's feelings - we can be so careful to not say too much that we actually leave the other person feeling okay in their deception or wrongful thinking. The flip side of that is if we "hit them hard" with scriptures, they feel like they have simply been beat up with the Bible and cannot receive the words of truth at all. This verse in Luke is teaching us to grow as Christ did, in wisdom and grace...then we can tell the truth (wisdom) spoken in love (grace) and God's spirit can help the hearer receive the words. Erik and I have been discussing this alot lately. I fall terribly short of this manner of communication, but I long for it. I believe that any true Christian can only become this virtuous person through sincere prayer and maturing in their personal relationship with Christ Jesus. Most of us feel quite inadequate in trying to convey our convictions to others or in witnessing, it seems...which is probably why we are taught to study to show ourselves approved, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed. Well, I have my work cut out for me, that is for Certain!! I am the worst at knowing where to find the verses, and terrible at memorizing, etc. By God's grace, I am praying that this might change in me. As far as the Jehovah's Witnesses, I would like to encourage our blogging friend, TJ, to read simply the King James Version of the Bible...not the version of bible that their church as rewritten for their fellowship. Countless have tried to change, rewrite, interpret differently, etc the Bible. This has led to countless people being decieved and has created havoc in so many peoples lives. God surely knew when He created this world that millions of us would be living now and would need to know His heart on issues. He provided the Scriptures that have been passed down. Read the Bible, believe it just as it reads, Ask God in Heaven to give you His spirit and grace to give you understanding. The unadulterated Word of God is where you will find truth, a Joy For Living that cannot be compared and a Peace in your heart that is worth life itself! I do know this much, because it is my personal experience. The facts of life cannot alter what God gives His own.
This is my take on the whole subject. It's been interesting to read each of your writing and ponder your words. I love you, Beka. Thanks for sharing your heart with us. A. Cindy
"As far as the Jehovah's Witnesses, I would like to encourage our blogging friend, TJ, to read simply the King James Version of the Bible"
Hi Cindy, while I appreciate the advice, I won't confine myself to any single translation of the Bible, King James or otherwise. That is not to say that I won't use it at all, I own a copy and do use it on occasion. In fact, up until just recently, Jehovah's Witnesses actually published and distributed this version. Still, every translation has its own peculiar strengths and weaknesses and no single translation is perfect, but I am convinced that the truth of God's Word can be ascertained from virtually any of them. Currently I am reading from the English Standard Version and I'm enjoying it.
TJ
thanks for all the advice! It has been good. it's given me lots to think about!
Dear TJ,
By mentioning the usage of the KJV what I am trying to say is go back to the basics. I find it helpful to read side by side Bible. I enjoy KJV and NIV. I use KJV as my solid reference for truth, and the NIV to see how it is said simple language...but I keep the KJV as my solid sorce of God's Word. I am glad you are enjoying the English Standard Version. I wish you only God's nearness, spirit, and wisdom in your life.
Cindy
Dear TJ -
"Twisting" may have been too strong of a word, but I do believe that Jehovah's Witnesses do misinterpret the Bible and as a result are deceived. I know you are sincere in your beliefs and I admire your willingness to share with others, but I believe you are misguided on some very key issues (i.e. Jesus is God as part of the Holy Trinity).
I appreciate your willingness to share your point of view, but believe I have heard it - I have had a few discussions on this issue with Jehovah's Witnesses that came to my door! The Bible says that if we Seek Him, we will find Him - that is my prayer for you!
Blessings,
Megan
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