Should I tell people about my faith? I'm afraid of what they will say...

This is probably a very hard thing when you become a christian if your family are not christians and not interested in the christian faith. When you become a christian you want to share this new faith with everyone or at least that's how I felt when I first became a Christian and started living like one. Or maybe for you its that your afraid of what others will think about you being a Christian. That fear but not a Godly fear. It is the opposite its the devil trying to stop you from following Gods calling. Its the devil trying to put lies inside your head, telling you that your not good enough, everyone will laugh at you. That's not true. but it's what the devil is trying to make you believe his lies. For me this was a hard topic. I went through I time in my life where I was afraid of sharing my faith. And letting people know about my faith. I was afraid of what people would say, as a teen it is even harder. We want to fit in and have friends but our faith will hurt that. And I am ashamed to say I let my fear win, and I hide my faith. But one day this all changed when I read Mathew 5:14-16 which says this... “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." this verse reminded me that the Lord didn't want me to hide my light but instead let it shine. So from then on I decided not to hide that I'm a Christian, But be an example.

I know it can be hard if your family is not a Christian and are not interested in your faith. I know it can be hard to go against your parents. I know it's hard to feel loved and wanted. I can't tell you what to do, but I can tell you this 'you were meant to be in the family you are in and nothing will ever change that' it is your decision if you want to share your faith but I would encourage you to. in Mathew 10:16 "Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves." this is Jesus warning you that we are going out into a world were wolves will try to devour us. And I believe if we hide it will be like letting the wolves devour us. If you do decide to tell your parents about your faith then I am happy for you! but if not then I would just encourage you to pray about it. In the end it is your decision. For those who have decided to not hide their faith I will remind you that you have to Lord is on your side and because of that you are more then those here on earth who will try to lead you astray. I cannot say it will be easy. I cannot say they will be happy with the idea if you being a christian. And most likely they will not. They might threaten you, They might yell at you, They might hurt you and discourage you and I am certain they will defiantly discourage you. But I do know this "i can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." this is in Philippians 4:13 and it is so true.

I can't tell you what to do but I can tell you this "the Lord loves you and he wants you to share your light," if you feel you should tell people about your faith mainly your family then I would encourage you to go to a friend or family member who shares your faith and has had some experience. I can't tell you how important this is just before I came to a hard trial in my life, I had a friend who would do bible study with me and we would encourage each other and pray for each other, I hope you find someone like that. And I want you to know this.. God is worth it! I would give everything to be with him and I pray that if you ever come to a time when you have to choose between a friend/family member or God I pray you will have enough faith to choose God.

Here are some verses I would encourage you to look up in your own bible and colour the verses that stand out to you, and I pray you find one to help you in your trial. God bless...

1. Proverbs 29:25 "It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe."
2. Galatians 1:10 "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ"
3. Mathew 5:10-12 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
4. Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
5. Ephesians 6:10 "¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powersof this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."