“You better be my friend or be prepared to experience horrific suffering!”
If someone extended this threatening invitation, how would you respond?
After your initial shock, you would probably turn down this unorthodox gesture and proceed to court to file a restraining order.
So, imagine how nonbelievers feel when Christians tell them, “You’re going to hell to burn forever if you do not repent of your sins and turn your life over to Christ.”
While you may witness a few people yield their lives to Christ, some people may be doing it out of fear of burning without end in the afterlife. Unfortunately, these individuals may miss the opportuniy to embrace the love that God has for them because they are thinking more about consequences and obedience rather than beginning a loving relationship with Him.
Others may say, “I will never have a relationship with God based on threats.” They may walk away with anger and hate towards God and Christians. Unfortunately, some may never open their hearts to God due to the hurt they experienced when they were told they are going to hell.
Sharing God’s Love
So, how should we approach nonbelievers with an invitation to accept Christ as their personal Savior?
Approach them with God’s love! Here are a few suggestions:
1. Share your testimony about how God’s love changed your life. Your testimony will help people begin to understand that the God of the Bible is real and He is with us today.
2. Use and explain Scriptures from the bible, including:
- “This is how God showed his love among us: he sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10 (NIV)
- “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
- I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
3. Express God’s love through exhibiting a godly life (praying, helping others, etc.), which will speak volumes.
Placing fear in people’s hearts with the threat of going to hell will only kindle hatred in an already hateful world. Telling people about God’s love may allow them the opportunity to embrace Him. Those who accept Christ may open their hearts for God to reveal Himself to them as their journey of prayer and reading the Bible begins. Remember, God will do the work of removing sin from a new believer’s life as they grow in their relationship with Him.