Life and Faith from a Messianic Perspective

Home
Articles
Our Mission
Resources
Statement Of Faith
Link To Us
Newsletter
Tell A Friend
About Us
Support Us
Contact Us

"Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples. For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever."
- Psalm 117, NIV

All contents copyright © 2001,2002, all rights reserved.
 		Tellin' The Folks

by Chaia Kravitz

There comes a point in every Jewish Believer's life when he or she has to tell the family that they believe in Yeshua. It does not have to be a confrontation. Here are some pointers to consider before breaking the big news.


Remember:

  • You are not responsible for the Salvation of your loved ones. This is the work of God and the Holy Spirit. Don't cram your beliefs down their throats -- simply explain what and why you believe.

  • You are still required to honor your parents, even non-Believing ones. If you wish for them to respect your beliefs, respect theirs as well.

  • Your family still loves you, even if they react with a lot of emotions. Back away and give them time to cool down. Don't let the situation escalate into a screaming match.

    Do:

  • Pray before telling them. Ask God to lead you to the right time to tell them and to give you the right words to say.

  • Stress that you are not converting to another religion.

  • Emphasize the Jewishness of the Gospel and Yeshua.

  • Quote from the Jewish Bible when backing up your statements.

  • Always say "I love you" as much as you can!

  • Have a support system in place, especially if you still live at home and run the risk of being kicked out. Tell Believing friends before you approach your family, so that they can pray for you.

    Don't:

  • Say that you have become a Christian.

  • Tell them that they will go to hell if they do not believe in Yeshua.

  • Start living a lifestyle that makes it appear as though you are rejecting your Jewish heritage (eating bacon, having a Christmas tree).

  • Wear a cross in front of them.

    Most of all, do not allow yourself to be talking into telling your family and friends before you are ready. Especially if you are new in the faith, you might be confronted with theological arguments of which you are not knowledgable enough to debate. While we are supposed to be witnessed for the LORD, we are not obligated to run and tell our parents as soon as we accept Yeshua into our hearts. When and how you tell them is between you and the LORD, since no one knows your family situation better than you and Him.

    Copyright 2002


    " . . . it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile."
    - Romans 1:16, NIV

    		•