I have been reading the bo0k Confessions of a Caffeinated Christian: Wide-Awake and Not Alone, by John Fischer. I really like what he has to say about witnessing: "Confession: As a Christian, I am the bearer of a message packed full of love for people I am afraid to be around. Doesn't that sound rather convoluted? Stay away from the sinners but tell everybody about Jesus. How do you do that? Mixed messages like this have created a history of contradictions for Christians. On one hand I hold within me a loving message, overflowing with forgiveness and mercy and a new beginning for all. On the other, I'm uncomfortable being around people who don't believe what I believe. The contradiction is even built into the behaviorial code: Witnessing to people you don't know is okay; hanging around them is not. It's got to be hit-and-run for your own safety (75). There are two principles that have traditionally been labeled in Christianity as 'greats.' One is the great commission about sharing the good news of Christ's triumph over sin and death with every creature; the other is the great commandment, in which Jesus summed up all the law and prophets by telling us to love God and our neighbor as we love ourselves. Of these two, the commandment far outweighs the commission. I know what it is to carry out the commission. I know what it is to carry out the commission without bothering with the command. We preached to strangers we didn't love and walked away feeling like martyrs, when all along we were just being obnoxious. To love someone, regardless of that person's religious affiliation, is to be vulnerable and open to the possibility that together we can come to know Christ's love and forgiveness in spite of ourselves. This is when both of these mandates get carried out in spite of us. Or think of it this way: One can carry out the commission without a thought for the commandment and end up losing an opportunity for both. But to carry out the commandment all but assures the commission will be carried out as well, since telling people about the love and forgiveness of God is a big part of loving them as we love ourselves (76). That is why I've decided I'm not going to witness to people anymore, I'm just going to see if they want to join me for coffee. It's time to crawl out from behind this cup and find out what I have in common with al the other caffeine fanatics here. I have a feeling I might even learn some things about myself. It's time to get over myself and start being a friend. Isn't that what Jesus would do? If I could just get out of these handcuffs, I might find out" (77-78). WOW! Food for thought! | 
