Currently doing my readings on the British rule in India back in the 1850s and I just found it amazing how God used it to speak to me. And here goes:

Not sure how others view Christianity as a religion, but I think that most people probably feel that it's a beautiful religion, especially with focus on topics like faith, salvation, love hope etc. However, are the ways and methods that Christians follow in line with what God has called us to do?

In the case of the missionaries in India, the missionaries spread the word of God by speaking offensive words about men of different faith, instill fear in people such that they'd listen to their preaching, insult followers and holy places of other creeds.

And what did these lead to? Upsetting and discontentment of the Indians which eventually lead to the Mutiny of 1857. Did they succeed in spreading the Word? Perhaps yes, people listened, but how many actually followed Christ eventually? I do not have the numbers but I'm sure that the attempts to conversion weren't that successful considering the current situation.

Reading this got me reflecting on myself and the Christians in the current world. Thought about the ways that modern Christians use to evangelize. Sometimes Christians today use similar methods, tainting and making rude remarks on other religions, be very imposing on people so that they'd listen to what you know about the Word.

But we need to remember the qualities that God exemplifies - love, faith and hope. Love constitutes the most important characteristic of all and that's also what we should be showing to others. By downplaying and saying ill remarks on others, are we showing the love that God calls us to live out? By forcing people to listen to what we want to tell them, are we still aligned with his commandments for us? It's not what we know and what you want to say, but how we live a Christ-like life that's filled with love, faith and hope. Living out your life based on these qualities is possibly one of the best way to say what you've to and show others how amazing and wonderful our Lord is. If us as Christians can't even live out what we say, who will listen to us and take our word as truth?

This is also a reminder for myself - to always be full of love towards others. Others may not always be kind and loving towards you, but remember that the Word tells us that we need to love all regardless of any situations. It is, and will be a tough challenge, but I will take it on with the Lord's constant providence.