How to Share Your Faith with Hindu or Muslim Family: A Guide for New Christians

If you’ve recently accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and come from a Hindu or Muslim background, the thought of sharing your new faith with your family might feel overwhelming. You may fear their reaction, worry about strained relationships, or even be afraid of being rejected. These fears are very real, and it’s okay to acknowledge them. But you don’t have to face them alone—God is with you, and He can give you the courage to share your faith with your loved ones.

I know firsthand how scary it can be to share your faith with your family. I grew up in a Hindu family, and for years, I hid my faith in Jesus from them. I was so scared of what they would think, so I hid my Bible, lied about going to church, and prayed to Jesus in my heart while outwardly participating in Hindu rituals like poojas.

One day, I read Matthew 10:33, which says, "But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven." This verse convicted me deeply. I realized that I couldn’t keep hiding my faith—I had to put my relationship with Jesus at the center of my life, no matter the cost.

So, with trembling hands and a pounding heart, I told my family that I was a Christian. As expected, they yelled at me and called me brainwashed. I was afraid they might kick me out of the house, and I worried about the financial consequences. But despite my fear, I learned that Jesus was worth it. If I were to die right then, I knew I would be with Jesus. I realized that I was willing to die for Him because of the hope and transformation He had brought into my life.

Sharing my faith wasn’t easy, but I’ve never regretted it. Jesus calls us to follow Him wholeheartedly, and sometimes that means making difficult decisions for the sake of the gospel. You might also be in the same situation—coming from a Hindu or Muslim background and being a new believer. Below are some steps you can take to have that conversation with your family.

### **1. Pray for Courage and Boldness**

If you’re afraid to share your faith with your family, start by praying for courage. Ask God to embolden you with the same boldness that He gave Peter in the book of Acts. Peter, once afraid and denying Jesus, became a fearless preacher of the gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit. That same Spirit can fill you with the strength and confidence to share your faith.

- **Bible Verse**: Acts 4:31 – "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."

- **Bible Verse**: 2 Timothy 1:7 – "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline."

### **2. Use Respectful Language**

When sharing your faith, it’s essential to approach your family with respect. Avoid language that might feel confrontational or judgmental. Instead, focus on sharing your personal experience and how your relationship with Jesus has transformed your life.

For example, instead of saying, “You need to believe in Jesus,” you might say, “I want to share something important that’s happened in my life and how it has changed me.”

- **Bible Verse**: Proverbs 15:1 – "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

- **Bible Verse**: Colossians 4:6 – "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

### **3. Share Your Personal Testimony**

One of the most powerful ways to share your faith is by sharing your personal testimony. Talk about how you came to know Jesus, what led you to make this decision, and how your life has changed since then. Personal stories often resonate more than abstract ideas, and your family will likely be more interested in hearing about your experience than in hearing a theological debate.

When sharing your testimony, focus on the positive changes in your life. Explain how your relationship with Jesus has brought you peace, hope, and a sense of purpose. This can help your family understand why your faith is so important to you.

- **Bible Verse**: 1 John 1:3 – "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ."

### **4. Find Common Ground**

Finding common ground with your family can help make the conversation more relatable and less intimidating. For example, you might talk about shared values such as love, compassion, or the importance of family. You can also highlight similarities between the moral teachings of Christianity and those of Hinduism or Islam.

By starting with common ground, you can build a bridge that allows your family to understand your faith in a context that feels familiar to them.

- **Bible Verse**: 1 Corinthians 9:22 – "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some."

### **5. Be Patient and Gentle**

It’s essential to remember that your family may need time to process what you’re sharing. They may have questions, concerns, or even objections. Be patient with them and answer their questions as best you can, but don’t feel pressured to have all the answers immediately.

It’s okay to say, “I don’t know, but I can find out,” or, “Let me think and pray about that.” Sometimes, just being a patient and gentle listener can make a significant impact.

- **Bible Verse**: 1 Peter 3:15 – "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

- **Bible Verse**: 2 Timothy 2:24 – "And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful."

### **6. Trust God with the Outcome**

After you share your faith, trust God with the results. You can’t control how your family will respond, but you can trust that God is with you and that He is working in their hearts, even if you don’t see immediate changes.

Remember, God honors your faithfulness. He knows your fears, your struggles, and your heart’s desire to follow Him. Trust that He will provide for you, just as He promises in His Word.

- **Bible Verse**: Matthew 10:32-33 – "Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven."

- **Bible Verse**: Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

### **7. Be Prepared for Reactions and Lean on God’s Strength**

Be ready for different reactions—some may be curious, others defensive, and some even angry. These reactions are normal and may take time to resolve. It’s okay to feel afraid or uncertain, but remember that you are never alone. God is your strength, and He will guide you through whatever comes next.

When fear creeps in, lean on God’s promises. He will never leave you or forsake you. He is your refuge, and He will walk with you through the challenges ahead.

- **Bible Verse**: Joshua 1:9 – "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

- **Bible Verse**: Psalm 56:3 – "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."

### **Conclusion: Sharing Your Faith with Courage**

If you’re afraid to share your faith with your family, know that you’re not alone. Many believers have faced similar fears, but God has always been faithful to strengthen and guide them. Pray for courage, trust God with the outcome, and remember that Jesus is worth it.

Sharing your faith may come with challenges, but it is also an opportunity to witness God’s power in your life and the lives of your loved ones. Trust that He is with you every step of the way.