How do you talk to people about sin?

I asked someone in my family if he ever prays. From time to time I ask him about what he believes, I cannot push it because he just closes the subject.

I have thought, hoped prayed that over time I had influenced him to some extent, that some understanding has taken place.

He just replied no, he never prays because he has nothing to pray about. He says he is not a sinner and is 'hardly on death row'. Then he shut down and I knew subject closed.

I am so disappointed because he hasn't understood even the most basic thing that we are all sinners. That not one of us is sinless.

I do not know how to broach the subject again as I feel so disheartened. I shall just pray privately for him. I worry for his soul.

Until the Holy Spirit opens his heart he will never understand his sinfulness. Sinners are going to sin because it's their nature. Instead of talking to him about sin, pray that the Holy Spirit will renew his heart and convict him of his sin.

I usually try a tactical move to subdue them first and then immediately tie their hands.
Once i have them in a secure position, then i start to preach.

But, adding to what NightTwister said you have to allow people in their own journey and then, this is the important part, you have to try Paul’s approach in Greece.
Meaning, you have to customize the message in an order that your target audience can relate and understand.

Different understandings of salvation also play a role here because some folks think that unless the other person doesn’t hear their interpretation of salvation, then he/she will go to Hell.
This unfortunately pushes the other person away.
So listen to the atheists, understand them and then tell them something they can relate to.

Hi Mary,

I often wonder if the biggest challenge of Christianity today is convincing anyone that they are a sinner, because people are always told that they are the victims.


Just to add to NightTwister's post about praying that the person will be convicted...

Many years ago I knew a woman who was very spiritually concerned about her brother, who was caught up in the party lifestyle. As you described, he didn't want to hear anything about God, and she got to a point where she had to stop trying to talk to him about it.

So instead, she started praying that God would take away the peace he had with how he was living.

It took several years and lots of ups and downs, but eventually he did turn around and become a very dedicated Christian.

There are no guarantees, of course, but maybe it might be something God leads you to pray over your family member as well.

Blessings to you and please keep us posted!

I just studied this subject the last 2 weeks. There's a whole lot in the Bible about it, so I narrowed it down to the parallel passages in the gospels when Jesus spoke to those in His home town.
I'll share some references and try to get back later when I get more time.
This will give you something to start studying since you are talking to family.
Keep in mind that even Jesus had the same burden for His people. He identifies with our sorrows. I thank the Lord that you care so much Mary M.
Most families don't have a saved loved one who weeps to God about their souls.

Mark 6:1-7
Matthew 13:54
John 4:44; 1:10,11
Luke 4:24

I have videos available that have good gospel presentations if that interests you. Those make it much easier to learn how to lead others to Christ. After watching and practicing with leading strangers to Christ, it becomes easier with family and harder cases .

Hi @MaryM

Opening people up to hear the gospel can be difficult. It's really hard to find anyone who hasn't heard it, and have already discounted it. Thus when we come as 2nd or 15th in that line of proclaimers, people know what's coming and don't want to hear it.

Sometimes you can have success with the, "Can I tell you what I've found?" approach. Some can be receptive when you ask what they think happens when they die.

But if you're able to talk to them at all from the Scriptures, I'd encourage Daniel chapter 9. You may ask why? Well, when God was working with Israel in the wilderness, He explained to them 'how' they can know that there is a God in heaven. Prophesy! He explained to them that what He said of the future would always come to be and that any prophet who claim to speak for Him, a prophesy that didn't come true, that prophet wasn't to be feared and was subject to being stoned.

So, you might start out with, "Did you ever wonder if there really is a God and whether anyone can prove that?" That usually gets a response because the unbelievers all believe that we can't prove that there is a God. Therefore, we can't prove anything else about what this God tells us. I think that's why God told us of the way that we can prove that there is certainly a being that knows the end from the beginning. If you're curious about 'how' this passage does that, let me know and I'll be happy to break it down for you in a way that you can explain to someone else.

God bless you,
Ted

That's a tough one. Personally I'd rather deal with people who get angry over religion. At least I can get a reaction. The closed off is a tough one.

I would say have you ever lied? Then you're a liar. How about taken God's name in vain? Stole something? Lusted after a woman? Etc. You would have to go off his reaction though. I mean I wouldn't keep going with it. Start by asking if he wants to hear about God. Maybe he doesn't 🤷‍♀️ make sure you bring up Jesus after calling him a liar 😆 let him know he is saved and loved. Tell him if nothing else you can always say thank you to God.

Otherwise keep praying. It's not really something you need to do much... just plant the seed and the holy spirit will take care of the rest.

That is very helpful thanks.
I have often told him my own testimony but he still doesn't understand a thing. Deaf and blind spiritually.
I think of the huge arrogance in fact of any man who says he is without sin and so does not need to account for himself. Not knowing that we are actually all on death row and time is running out.

He thinks he is a Christian because he is occasionally willing to go to church and lives a law abiding life. I suppose many people think like that and give it no more thought.

No. Just Anglican, if anything.

I no longer concern myself with denominations. I just believe in the Bible and in Jesus Christ.

@seoulsearch
This is so encouraging...Just what I needed to hear right now for one of my granddaughters who is 18 ...She knows the Good news of the Gospel , she also came to church with me when she was younger...She is now caught up in same sex attraction , in a relationship for the past few years...When I found out , and I confronted her with Scripture , she seperated herself from me and our relationship was broken...

She reached out to me yesterday after I sent her a text , telling her I love and miss her...Hoping I can meet her for coffee , and pray the Holy Spirit will lead me to love her , and not be so judgemental towards her as I believe I was first time round...

I will continue to pray for her...xox...

Looks like you have a cultural Christian in your family.
I know what you mean. Some members of my extended family are Muslims or Atheists. I have tried to bring up the subject when appropriate to many of them but they don’t want to listen. Only my cousin who was a 30 year old atheist changed her mind.
But as NightTwister said, pray and one day maybe they will have a change of mind.
They are my family after all so i don’t hate them or het upset because they’re Muslim or Atheist.
They have to complete their own journey before changing.

Thank you so much for sharing this, @Rosemaryx.

I think almost all of us have relatives/friends who are caught up with the alternative lifestyle culture in some way... and our spirits ache for them.

I will definitely keep you and your granddaughter in prayer! ❤️❤️❤️

God bless you for not giving up on her.

I am a sinner as every one. I'm glad I'm saved. I could not do it on my own is only because of Jesus.
I am also week a human an easy fall back in sin. Im glad I alway can turn back to God. He is full love and mercy.