Sometimes I learn more from newer Christians and non-believers than I do from people who have been Christians their whole lives.

Lemme explain.

First of all, newer Christians, or people who have more recently accepted Christ, tend to be more genuine. I believe the things that they say about how they feel and what they are experiencing. Long time Christians often get stuck in the rut of being religious.

Therefore, they spout facts that they’re just accustomed to saying but how much of that truly comes from the heart? We often lose that curiosity. New believers have so much drive and purpose which is honestly inspiring. They often encourage me to do better.

They also tend to be more accepting and forgiving imo because they understand the life of a sinner transformed at a much deeper level. They are understanding, honest and more relatable. Long time believers have a hard time being imperfect sometimes

This isnt to say we’re all like that, but I think we can all agree we have experienced a long time believer who just can’t be wrong. Meaning, we stop asking questions. We stop being as eager. We stop LISTENING to those who we do not agree with. And we stop asking why we believe.

We are afraid if we question our beliefs that we are being disrespectful, but it’s quite the opposite. Ask yourself the hard questions before someone else asks you. You should know why. Or else how can anyone else understand why they should even consider Christianity?

Now for non-believers’. They ask those hard questions. They make you think, and they make you learn. It’s okay not to know EVERYTHING. And you will never know everything. But never stop searching or wondering. Although, it would not be a faith without faith. Many things are felt.

Also... as we all know, there are a lot of Christians who get so stuck in the hole of “following the rules” that we get caught up in forgetting why we follow them. This is a huge issue now, and has always been. It is not our job to demean, degrade, or dehumanize non-Christians.

IF YOU HEAR ANYTHING, HEAR THIS: Love is not a reward to those who show it to us. Love is fundamental. It is without exception. Why do we do anything if we do not do it in love?

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk. God bless