I have always been a believer of God. I grew up that going to church was important and was something you do on a weekly basis. I've always been confident about who I am as a person and my faith.
However, there's one thing I often see with people of faith that I don't agree with. The whole "believe in God or you'll go to hell" bit. Any person who thinks this approach works is a fool. First of all, God is all about peace and love. How is telling some they're going to burn for all eternity considered love? Yes, I understand that it is obvious that some people will go to hell but no person on Earth is without sin. After all, it does say in the Bible "he who is without sin cast the first stone."
Do I understand why some choose not to believe in the existence of God? No, but far be it from me to tell them where they'll go. I'm the last person worthy enough to tell anyone where they'll go and why after death.
Believing in God is something you have to feel for yourself. Teaching is always helpful, but you have to accept the fact that He's real first. You can't force God into people's hearts, it just won't work. Every believer has this moment where they truly come to terms with believing in God and what that truly means.
A few years ago, I was laying bed after a long tiring and overall crappy day. I asked God for guidance to get through this. I was still physically laying in bed but at the same time, it felt like someone was holding me.
It felt like my soul itself was being held. That's when I knew things would be okay. I've also been trying to read the Bible more and since all of that, I've felt a huge peace that's hard for me to explain. This is something I can't teach anyone or force onto anyone. In order to know God, you have to let him. The same way you would let someone into your home. They're not going to come in unless they're invited and no one else can force you to let them in.
I hope this article does two things. I hope it shows fellow Christians that you will never be able to teach the word of God through force or hate. I hope it shows Atheist that God is in your heart whether you want him there or not. He just has to be properly let in.
