Loving others.

I have had social anxiety my whole life to the point I fear people. I believe the love of Christ has opened my heart and I want to share love with everyone I meet but am at a loss how to start. I think I have spent my life afraid of loving others do to my fears and was wondering if yall had any tips for how to open myself up some and learn to relax my guard. I believe prayer has opened me up to this whole new ballgame of love that I have not really experienced before and any tips would be helpful. God Bless You All!

I have social anxiety too but I just "play the game." You play the game by smiling, shaking their hand and asking how they are doing and listening (verses thinking about what you're going to say).

It is very difficult to talk about religion with strangers. Typically it works the best with people you already know, but either way you start with asking them if they would like to hear about Jesus or the love of God if that's what you want to tell them. You ask and accept their answer bc they may just say no, and that's okay.

If you're not use to talking to people, telling them about Jesus is going to be very difficult bc people can be sensitive and have strong opinions. Typically fights can occur with both religion and politics. That's why you should ask them if they want to talk about it. But it's very similar to asking someone out. It may go very well or be horrible. Sometimes it seems like nothing happened but you're planting the seed and that's all that's needed.

When I was a child, I wanted to help others. I looked around and saw that the best way as a man that I could help the greatest number of people was to learn how to be a good leader. I found out that you can only be a good influencer or leader is to be a good follower. Then I sought the best ones in my areas of interest and followed them. This helped with the issues you are challenged with.

Primarily from 7th grade forward, I was able to overcome and by getting involved with acting. I was an actor in lead roles until I was provided a scholarship for acting college.
This is a very brief summary of the progress an average kid can make when he involves himself into the most frightening thing going on in the city as far as I could tell. Standing in front of the public, full of strangers and family who were hanging on every word and watching every single movement and facial expression. We had to memorize entire scripts which was like going to medical school and memorizing for an anatomy test.
When you mess up, you must pull off a very convincing ad lib or your entire acting troop, teacher and director and techs would be mad at you. You would perhaps be not considered for future roles after that, so there was tremendous pressure plus what you put on yourself personally. That said, if a kid in school can do that, you can make progress in this area.

First I will add that the independent Baptist Church (non-denominational) I attended after someone led me to Christ<.
I was a silent partner who got involved with their soul winning program. There was no pressure and only a willingness to help others. It was like offering winning lottery tickets to others. They could take them or leave them. I got to be a part of the biggest thing, the most important thing on earth. I would watch that link because that's where it can all start for you in your quest for boldness.
God bless you.

📖😎☝️

Beats me. I'm terrible at talking to people.

Jokes can help. Know a few short jokes to tell, to break the ice. It's a start.

Not too many jokes though. If you tell people jokes for too long, they start looking tired around the eyes.

As much as I like to tell a good joke I always get to excited and mess up the punchline!

Love was very hard for me , it doesn't come naturally I'm ashamed to say . One of the things that helped me in my dealings with people was , something that's a bit of a cliché but it works . I think to myself : what would Jesus do ? Allow his love for u to come through u to the people u r interacting with . Put yourself out of your mind and do or say or behave in the way that u believe Jesus would . Don't b u , b him , as best u can . So , b kind , b gentle , b patient and generous . Start there . To love someone is not to open up to them ! It's to encourage and facilitate them to open up to u ! B a good listener before u start to talk , let them talk first and for as long as they need to . Read your Bible so u can really understand God's love and Jesus's love , Their love for u , for me , for everyone , get to know Them and then u will learn what They expect and desire from u . Allow Them to take your heart and mind over when u r interacting with people . They will show u what to do and say every time , if u let them 😁 .

I have been using these- giving them out and reminding people the powers of darkness don't work by giving us a hatred of God, but a forgetfulness, a distraction, to take us from His 24/7/365 connection with Him.
https://www.amazon.com/Religious-Figurines-Classic-Supplies-Stuffers/dp/B0BTPPJ85H

Yes ! That is the power of these kingdoms of men ! To distract us , to occupy us with things that keep our hearts and minds busy in this world , instead of focussing on keeping that connection . The power of the Word is that it's an instant connection between us and our Heavenly Father , it's His Word , He communicates with us but we have to pick it up , we have to answer when He calls . I know myself when I have neglected Him , I feel a bit low, a bit lost , a bit overwhelmed by the things of this life . As soon as I pick my Bible up I'm cheered , I'm reminded that I'm not alone , I am loved and this world is of no consequence compared to the World to come . God loves me and He is with me and if He is , then who can b against me 😜 . I only have to miss reading the Bible for one day and I can feel my shoulders slump 😬 . Staying connected to Him is a massive bonus and the ability , the privilege to b able to do so , is given by Him to us because He loves us and wants us to b comforted by His love and presence in our lives . The Bible is our connection to Him . It is alive with love and Truth and power and we must use the gift that God has given us so that we can stay strong and feel His love in our lives every day .

Love your faith precious sister! Job 33-14 teaches us that God speaks to us all the time, we just don't perceive it, once we start perceiving Him, then we can move forward in relationship, doing what He asks us to do, going where He asks us to go, being Him to this world in His name.
Jesus only did what He saw the Father do, He only said what He heard the Father say.
He modeled how the Father wants each of us, His Own, to live and proclaim Him.
Your faith is very mature, I give thanks you are here.
bless you sister!

Thanks to God for you also and for this site which has connected us all together in His love ❤️ .

He knows the end from the beginning and knew at the Creation we be here now seeking to grow in Him becoming conformed to the image of the Son.
blessings

I've seen those. I believe the quote I saw with those figurines was "All you need is a little Jesus in your life!" Most excellent

They are almost always received warmly and you can see the countenance change as they are shared.
bless you