Nobody is suggesting otherwise. I have heard no one on this thread advocate forcing anyone one to believe anything. This thread was initiated by Christians publicly praying for the conversion of the Jews. This hurts no one. If anyone truly believes in the Jesus of the Bible they are commanded to do this. Jesus said he was the only way, that NO ONE comes to the Father but through him. Thus, either Jesus was lying or mad and therefore not a way to heaven at all or he is the only way. There is no third choice. I believe him with all my heart. Thus, for me not to evangelize all non-Christians, including Jews, would be the hight of cruelty. If anyone rejects the message, Jesus said to shake their dust off your shoes and move on to the next unbeliever. I have every right to pray for and witness to anyone my conscience tells me too. In public and in private. I do it out of love.
Does this create animosity? Apparently it does. Jesus said it would. "I came not to bring peace but the sword." Jesus said preaching his message would separate families and peoples. "If they hated me they will hate you also for my name." But there is also a blessing, "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Therefore, Jesus' command is clear and I intend to follow it. I will continue to evangelize and seek to convert any who will listen. Anyone who would not do so just to maintain the personal comfort which lack of social conflict brings needs to "test yourself to see if you are really in the faith - examine yourselves!"
He is risen indeed!
“...I have every right to pray for and witness to anyone my conscience tells me too. In public and in private...”
Sure, you have the right to do so...right up until the EXACT moment the other person says to you “I don’t want to hear it anymore.” That’s THEIR right too - to be left alone if they so desire. If they choose not to believe, that is their right. Then, you can do so privately for them, and ask God to open their eyes.
If someone asks me about my faith, I will gladly tell them. If they say “Enough!” Then that’s pretty clear.
Funny thing, this here 1st Amendment religious freedom to worship as we please that we have...it works both ways.
“...I do it out of love....”
Not everyone WANTS to be “loved”. And once again, that is their right.