Should I share my faith with my young neice?

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basil
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Should I share my faith with my young neice?

Post by basil »

This Friday night my neice, Jessica, who is only 4 will be spending the night with our family for the first time. Her father was raised a reformed Jew, although he is not practicing, and my sister is not religious.

I am concerned that they would be unhappy if I expose their daughter to our family's faith. To them this would be like brain-washing their child. I feel compelled to share Christ with her, but I know I would be upset if they were to espouse their beliefs on my children, especially at such a young age. Should I be discreet to respect them, or should I express our faith and let the chips fall where they may? I don't intend to evangelize, just do our prayers like we normally do.

My thought is that they know our faith is important to us and they are letting her come into our home, so they shouldn't be surprized. Any opinions?

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ania
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Post by ania »

Hi Basil,
My suggestion would be to talk to her parents. If they are aware that you are religious, and that you say common prayers as a family every day, and are letting her stay at your place, then the battle is 1/2 won. Explain to them that she can watch TV or whatever while you pray if they don't want her exposed to Orthodoxy, or she can be with you, and observe, so that even if she doesn't show in Orthodoxy, she'll be a more well rounded person growing up, having been exposed to it.

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joasia
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Post by joasia »

Basil,

Do not alter your routine. It is your home and way of life. Who says that your words would be God's message? We think that if we say something spiritual or quote the Bible, that it will be the voice of God. He works in His own way, at His own time. She might get a positive impression just watching others. Actions speak louder than words.

Just trust that God loves her more than anyone and He is watching over her. Pray for her, in your heart.

And for goodness sakes, make sure there is some ice cream in the house. :D

Joanna

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