Children Demand an Answer- Why Do People From Different Religions Sometimes Fight?

One peek at the TV news tells you that people from different religions don’t always get along. Followers of various religions sometimes argue and fight, trying to make others accept their faith. Some even hurt, and kill others because they hate people who don’t believe the way they do. The Bible shows us a different way of getting people to believe the truth of who Jesus is. We are to tell others about Jesus by explaining how great He is and telling what he has done for us. Here’s how Peter explains it: “You were chosen to tell about the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9, NCV). Telling others about Jesus is about giving people reasons to believe – and loving them, not getting angry with them.

Action Step:

Talk to your child about opportunities you have had to explain your faith to others – especially people who follow other faiths. How did you give reasons for your faith “in a gentle and respectful way”? How did you show love for the people you talked to?

Does It Matter Which God People Believe In?

At the time the Bible was written, people worshiped many different gods. Yet those who wrote the Bible said that there is only one God worth believing in. In Exodus 34:14 we read, “You must worship no other gods, but only the Lord, for he is a God who is passionate about his relationship with you.” And Acts 4:12 makes it very clear why believing in the God of the Bible matters so much: “Jesus is the only One who can save people. His Name is the only power in the world that has been given to save people. We must be saved through him” (NCV). If we really want to know God, we need to know the one real God – and His real plan to make us his friends!

Action Step:

Ask your child if she knows anyone who follows a different faith – or who doesn’t seem to believe in God at all. Point out that many people say they believe in God but don’t follow Him, and many others commit their lives to other religions that don’t believe Jesus is God’s Son. Emphasize that our goal isn’t to put down those people – or to stop being friends with them. Our job is to talk to them about Jesus’ love for them. Our job is to talk to them about Jesus’ love for them. We want them to know Jesus can save all of us from sin. He gives joy and peace now. And His death on the cross makes it possible for us to live with God forever someday if we trust Him.

McDowell, Josh and Kevin Johnson, Children Demand a Verdict, Wheaton, IL, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2003. Used by Special Permission.