I've just recently tried to become a true Christian. I was always "Christian" in the sense that we celebrated Christmas and Easter and stuff like that, but now I've started reading the Bible and going to Church (not that that's what it's all about, but I learn more things when I go), and I'm trying to have a personal relationship with God. I pray and I talk to Him, I just don't know if what I'm doing is enough, or where to go from here. Is there anything more I can do to become stronger in my faith? My family isn't very religious and neither are most of my friends, so it's hard to know what to do. And the friends I DO have that are religious are hard to talk to as well because I feel like they are so much better than me. I think I have a lot of guilt from my past and I just feel like a traitor or something if I were to talk to them - like they would look down on me, or see me as less of a person than I want to be. I would like some advice as to where to go from this point... Thanks

Capuchin

Erm... If they look down on you for trying to learn about christianity and trying to become a better christian, then they aren't very good christians... or very good friends, are they?

I don't really have any advice to help you with christianity but... think about it.

Jesushelper76

That is so true what Capuchin is saying.

Christians are supposed to be forgiving. Christians are supposed to shine with the love of God. To except others with all their mistakes, because all Christians are sinners and no one is better then anyone else.

We are not to judge each other but except each other and help each other come closer to God. Praying and reading the bible is an important step.

As well as with the bible many good lessons are to be learned. Especially the lesson about asking for forgiveness for your sins, mistakes that were made. Learning from your mistakes and moving foward. Leaving the past in the past and learning to become a better person now and for the future.
Later, I will give you some passages from the bible that may help your journey. Remember praying is communicating with God and it is important part of developing a relationship with God.

Do not let anybody discourage you from your journey, whether it be family, friends or other so called christians.

No one has a right to look down on you.

Good luck and may God bless you with the knowledge that your seeking.

Joe

Clough

Be strong! Be in prayer always. Continue to read the Bible. You are developing your faith as well as learning about the walk with Christ. There will be bumps along the way that you will need to get through. Not to worry and please don't be in a hurry. There are many more like you who are seeking the same thing. I would seek them out and meet with them and develop your faith together. I am sure that there are others in the faith that meet to have Bible studies and other things. Consider it an opportunity to make some new friends.

Part of being a Christian is being a witness to your faith. Do so no matter what. When you have learned enough, you will be able to witness to your family and friends. The path that they choose to walk is up to them as it is with anyone else who responds to your questions here.

If I were you, I would realize that there are others that know more about the Christian faith than you do and to learn from them. I would use them as examples. If they are truly living as Christians, then they will not be looking down on you, but will wanting to hold you up and sustain you as one of their own.

Fr_Chuck

Well family is always family but you will find that often if not most of the time as you start down your path of following Christ, you will end up with new friends since we start going and doing things at Church, and those new friends from church ( ** not that every person that goes to church is a christian, far from it) But you will find others of the same beleif and the same search for Chist as you.

And of course we are never good enough and never can be, all we can do is live for him each day the best we can.

inthebox

You don't have to do anything but belive and trust in Jesus . Let Him guide you thru prayer, Bible reading and fellowship.

Go thru John, Romans and Galatians - just my opinion.

Don't feel guilty because you are not perfect or always act like a "Christian,"
none of us are perfect.
The thief crucified with Jesus was not perfect
The apostle Peter had his share of screw ups
Rahab was a prostitute
Zacchaeus was a tax collector
King David comitted adultery and murder
Samson serially disobeyed
etc..

Jesus did rail against the self-righteous pharisees though





grace and peace

InTheArmsOfGod

You must strengthen your relationship with God and through him will you only strengthen your life. While it is expedient to attend church and pray with others, the bond that you and the Lord share alone will be much greater and fulfilling.