Pray for people who are afraid of "religion"

[faith88]

This weekend, I met two lovely people who live good moral lives, love their families, work hard and are helpful and kind to others- yet they don't know Jesus, and are put off by "religion."

One of them had been put off by having a bad experience with harsh and cruel teachers at a school that was supposed to be a Christian school, the other was just "afraid" of "religion" because of the way some sections of the Church seem to have had so much wealth and power, and because, over the centuries, wars have been caused by people who called themselves Christians.

Clearly, neither of these people understood the difference between "religion"- (which in their experience was based on rules, judgemental attitudes, self-righteousness,pride, rituals and excluding others)... and new life in Christ.

I found, as a Christian, that it is really difficult to heal hurts and explain the difference. I know it takes time and prayer and love.

It struck me that my experience of Church was positive. I thought about this as I visited the church I went to as a child, and I thanked God again for that.

It made me think that Christians need to pray about this when some sections of the church are actually turning people away from Jesus, because they may call Him "Lord, Lord," but do not obey His commands, particularly the ones about loving others.

We read in the Bible how true believers "stood in the gap" and repented on behalf of the people of God who had gone astray. Is that what Christians should be doing, maybe?

Please pray about this. These are kind, loving people who lead moral lives, not who just want an excuse to do as they like. It is sad when nice people are put off Christianity because of certain sections of the very Church that is supposed to be the body of Christ on earth.

I do try and explain, but I find it very difficult. I have been blessed with having good loving examples of Christians around me. I can't imagine how I might have felt if my experiences had been negative and frightening.

[MIRIAM JACOB]

Let us pray together for this great need. Amen.

[faith88]

I find a lot of people are actually frightened of "religion" which is why I asked for prayer about it. One or two have a genuine reason, and that is just so sad. My son-in-law is frightened of "religion" and has influenced my daughter.

They really don't know the difference between being "In Christ" and who show the love of Jesus in their lives -and people who are "religious" and are cold, judgemental and even cruel, whilst going through "religious" rituals.

I also have a friend who had such a bad experience of cruel treatment at a Church school that she made up her mind to have nothing to do with "religion" again.

I am sure that there are equally examples of schools with a real Christian ethos, where children are loved and valued as God loves and values them. It seems so sad that the bad examples tarnish the image of Christ and turn people away from Him. I can only think they surely can't have a true vocation at all if they are so unloving?

I need to pray also that I reflect the love of Jesus to my family and it's often harder with our own family as they will sometimes do things you disapprove of. Even though families love each other, there are always differences of opinion betwwen some of them!!

If anyone else feels the need to pray for family members and friends who are living in the darkness without Christ's love, I pray for all these people, not just my own family and friends.