Dealing with someone with confidence/ fear issues.
 

As a minister, how can you help someone, kind of like a young person - who is dealing with a lot of fear and condemnation. They are so afraid of being blatently disobedient to God, or being lukewarm, that they scrutinize every little decision they make. It seems to me that their view of God is one of an angry God holding them over the flames of hell by a thread, instead of a loving God who wants to direct their life and save them. My suspicion is that they feel this way because of mistakes in their past. What would you say to help them gain their confidence in God back?

Re: Dealing with someone with confidence/ fear iss
 

Perhaps you might elaborate on why God...in proverbs...taught us to use a rod in disciplining our children. The rod becomes the focus of our fear, thus leaving the hand that yields it, always a symbol of love. Some children flinch and cower when their father even raises his hand to scratch his head. That father disciplines with his hand, not a rod.

Re: Dealing with someone with confidence/ fear iss
 

I would explain what the gift of righteousness is.

Re: Dealing with someone with confidence/ fear iss
 

In my case, condemnation didn't come from God, but from the church. When you are raised believing that every little wrong you do will result in God striking you dead someday, well, it makes one a little jumpy.

Re: Dealing with someone with confidence/ fear iss
 

I think you should resign your position.

Re: Dealing with someone with confidence/ fear iss
 

LOL. :smack

Re: Dealing with someone with confidence/ fear iss
 

Is this person a new convert?

If so, it's time spent in the life changing presence of the Lord that makes the difference.

Not much else will do.

Re: Dealing with someone with confidence/ fear iss
 

There is a video by Irvin Baxter called "you are perfect." I'm sure this young person would be blessed from it.

Re: Dealing with someone with confidence/ fear iss
 

If we abide in Jesus we will have confidence. Do it by faith and it will come true.

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 1 John 2:28

Re: Dealing with someone with confidence/ fear iss
 

if they dont have faith in theirself ,,throught the word let them have confidence in god ,,god is righteous ,merciful,..while it is great to have a fear of the lord .a terror of god is not good . i knew my parents would whip me if i did something bad , i didnt think they would kill me . there is a difference ..