Q:
Every time I try to witness to someone and tell them about Jesus, it ends up in an argument. They accuse me of being too judgmental, or they say you can't believe the Bible, or things like that, and when I try to answer them it turns into an argument. What am I doing wrong?
A:
Arguing by itself seldom wins anyone to Christ, I’ve found; it only polarizes them and makes them less open to the Gospel. The Bible says, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing” (Philippians 2:14).
Does this mean we never try to answer someone’s question, or never defend our faith in Christ against someone who attacks it? No, of course not. But we do need to ask God to help us discern whether or not their question is genuine. Some people aren’t really interested in answers; they only want to keep us (and God) at arm’s length, so to speak. The Bible says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you. … But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).
Pray for those around you who need Christ. Only the Holy Spirit can convict them of their sin and convince them of the truth of the Gospel. In addition, ask God to make you sensitive to their feelings and help you know when to speak and when to keep silent. And when God does open a door for you to speak, point them to Christ and what He has done for you.
Most of all, ask God to make you an example to others of Christ’s love. The greatest sermon you’ll ever preach is the example of a life that’s been transformed by the power of Christ. Do others see Christ in you—His love, His patience, His purity, His joy?