It’s not surprising that some of us—even Christians—fear imposing our personal opinions (including what we think about God) on others. But this hesitancy mistakes both the nature of truth and the nature of Christianity.

You’re in a conversation and someone says, “I’m a Christian, but I don’t want to force my religion on others.” What would you say?

In a pluralistic world where everyone mistakenly believes their truth (based on subjective opinion) is the truth, it’s not surprising that some of us—even Christians—fear imposing our personal opinions (including what we think about God) on others. But this hesitancy mistakes both the nature of truth and the nature of Christianity. In fact, if Christianity is objectively true (regardless of anyone’s opinion), we ought to be eager to share the truth about Jesus. So, the next time someone says, “I’m a Christian, but I don’t want to force my religion on others,” here are three things to remember:

First: The Christian Faith Cannot, by Definition, Be Forced

Despite what you may have heard from skeptics, Christianity was never spread by force or coercion—just the opposite. Christianity grew—and continues to thrive—due to persuasive evangelism. A “forced decision” is an oxymoron. When someone decides to trust Jesus as their Savior, it’s just that: a genuine decision. True belief, the kind of trust that results in a saving faith, must be formed freely without force or coercion. That’s why our goal is to convince rather than compel. God’s not interested in coerced declarations. He’s looking for true decisions. For this reason, Christian belief cannot be forced—by definition.

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