Is it sinful to not talk that much?

[siliconwafer]

Is it a sin to be the kind of person who doesn't talk that much? I was just wondering because there is someone in my Bible study who says that a Christian should not be the kind of person who doesn't talk that much. (This person is not the leader of the group.) He says that Christians have the responsibility to tell non-Christians about Christ. Moreover, Christians must consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.

I would disagree with what he says. I know Christians who don't talk that much and they tell non-Christians about Christ. They encourage others to love and good deeds. They don't talk as much as other Christians, but they still do those things.

[princesa]

You answered it yourself in your last sentence and I agree. I'm not always willing and ready to tell non Christians about Christ. If I were to feel compelled to speak to non Christians about Christ when I'm in a crisis of faith (e.g.) and I am asked questions about Christ, which is the inevitable in most cases, I can give them the text book answers but I don't have a grand life changing testimony that will stir anyone's spirit (My husband does, and he is eager to share it). Nor can I always offer that spark in the eye, that mannerism/magnetism that people have when they are bursting with joy and faith. It depends on the day and how I'm feeling (the truth is sometimes lame), if I'm feeling less than joyous in my faith one day, my eyes would reveal this and if I were to feel responsible to talk about Christ on that particular day then I don't know if it would be helpful or further damaging to anyone's faith. So perhaps the "Christian" thing to do in that instance would be for me to keep mum.

[Sparko]

You know, SW, some of your threads are just absofreakinglutely stupid.

This is one of them.

[princesa]

garsh, I've been gone a long time. It seemed sincere to me. strange world, this cyberspace.

[Sparko]

garsh, I've been gone a long time. It seemed sincere to me. strange world, this cyberspace.

I am sure he is sincere, but the topic is just silly.

[Taran Wanderer]

Actually I think it's a good one. My impression is that plenty of introverted Christians believe there's something wrong with them, enough that someone felt the need to write a book about it (which I haven't read). I grew up being pressured to talk and get excited more, and I ended up feeling like my reserve was a flaw. If I really loved the people around me, I would be verbally engaged with them. I still somewhat feel that way, but I've gotten more comfortable with talking with people, so it's not as much of an issue for me now.

[Sparko]

Actually I think it's a good one. My impression is that plenty of introverted Christians believe there's something wrong with them, enough that someone felt the need to write a book about it (which I haven't read). I grew up being pressured to talk and get excited more, and I ended up feeling like my reserve was a flaw. If I really loved the people around me, I would be verbally engaged with them. I still somewhat feel that way, but I've gotten more comfortable with talking with people, so it's not as much of an issue for me now.

OKAY then. Guess I was wrong. Sorry SW. Carry on!

[Soyeong]

"Preach the gospel at all times -- If necessary, use words."

-- Saint Francis of Assisi