The Beliefs of Others

nam-eno · Newbie Joined: Jul 05, 2007 Posts: 77 Status: **Offline**

070914

A woman commented that she had a friend that professed to be a witch. In explaining her relationship with her friend, she stated, "We can respect another's beliefs without accepting them." In our daily lives, we associate with many who do not believe as we do. It may be in the work place, it may be at school, it may be in a community organization. We may even make strong friendships before we learn about the beliefs of another that are counter to our Christian faith. What should we do when we encounter others who do not share our beliefs in the Lord?

Some scripture to consider:

Deuteronomy 18 (New American Standard Bible)

9"When you enter the land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not learn to imitate the detestable things of those nations.
10"There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer,
11or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.
12"For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD; and because of these detestable things the LORD your God will drive them out before you.
13"You shall be blameless before the LORD your God.
14"For those nations, which you shall dispossess, listen to those who practice witchcraft and to diviners, but as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you to do so.

Matthew 5 (New American Standard Bible)

16"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 7 (New American Standard Bible)

1"Do not judge so that you will not be judged.
2"For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.
3"Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
4"Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye?
5"You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Matthew 5 (New American Standard Bible)

43"You have heard that it was said, 'you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
44"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
46"For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
47"If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

1 Peter 3 (New International Version)

8Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
10For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 11He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." 13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

While we are admonished against judging others, we are also called to be examples of the word. We must balance many behaviors in fulfilling the teachings of our Lord. If we interact with others who do not believe as we do, do we risk becoming more like them, or do they risk becoming more like us? As we walk the journey of faith, we must care for our souls and pray for the salvation of others.

Nam Eno