tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3837125.post-838118452002-10-30T22:37:00.000-08:002002-10-30T22:37:21.720-08:00FRIENDSHIP AND SHARING <br />My mother always taught me there are two subjects you never bring up in polite conversation: politics and religion. While I’m inclined to agree with her on the former, I disagree on the latter. It is true, many people do not enjoy talking about religion. There are many different beliefs, many different opinions, and disagreement is common. Strong disagreement can damage a relationship between friends. Or between communities within a nation. <br /> <br />But let me share my views on religion. Why? Because of friendship. If we are really friends, you would be happy to hear about the good things in my life, my news and my interests. If I found a great bargain while shopping and told you about it, you wouldn’t be offended, though you might have no interest in that particular product. If I went on and on talking about my favorite basketball team and their latest victory, you might become bored if your favorite sport was cricket, but you wouldn’t hate me for preferring basketball. If I got a big raise at work, a promotion, won the lottery, or went on an exciting cruise vacation, you’d want to hear about those things. If something big like that happened in my life but I said nothing about it, you might question how close we are as friends. <br /> <br />How much more should I be able to share about religion, specifically, my relationship with Jesus. He is the best thing in my life, my greatest source of happiness, and the key to understanding who I am. He is the greatest influence on my life, and the motivation behind all I do. My faith is very important to me. We talk about lesser things, unimportant things, silly little things. Shouldn’t I be able to share about the most important thing? It would be strange if I didn’t. <br /> <br />Please hear me out when I speak. Finding Jesus was the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me. He changed my life. I believe He can do the same for you, too. You may not agree (though ultimately it’s neither your opinion nor my opinion that matters, but God’s own truth). But if we are friends, if we can be friends—and I sincerely hope we can—please listen. I’ll do the same when you have something to share. Who knows what we might learn from each other. <br /> <br />I think friendship is strong enough to withstand a little sharing. <br />IMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042898126000285946noreply@blogger.com