As Christian writers, our primary audience is obviously Christian. But what about when writing something that will be read by a non-Christian audience? Maybe you were asked to write an article about fashion for a friend's magazine that reaches all their non-believing friends. But as a Christian, your thoughts on fashion are changed by your faith. So no matter what topic you're writing about, how do you write to a non-Christian audience without being "offensive"? Well, here are my thoughts: First of all, it is not your obligation to keep from offending them. People get offended all the time in the world we live in. Someone could breathe the wrong way, and chances are it would offend someone somewhere. Your responsibility as a Christian writer is not to shy away from your faith to keep from offending someone. If you're sharing your faith and it offends someone, that is not your problem. We are to be unashamed of Jesus Christ and speak His Name, even when the world stands against us. Second, love your audience. Treat your non-believing audience with just as much love as your Christian audience. Welcome them, respect them, engage with them. Chances are, if you share your faith boldly but respectfully (for example: don't argue with them or talk down to them), they're going to either listen or just ignore you. But either way you've won cause you've planted seeds. So love the people God sends into your life as readers. Show them His love firsthand--don't just talk about it. Third, be real. Boldly, declare your faith. But be real about it. Don't be fake, don't be judgmental, and don't live a double life. Let me be clear here: we're all human and we all make mistakes. None of us are perfect and none of us ever will be. But if you continually write about and preach one thing and then purposefully live another way, you're living a double life. Always believe that there is room to grow. Be authentic. Be real. Be bold. Fourth, remember that it is your responsibility to share Christ. As a Christian, you are an ambassador for Christ. It is your privilege and responsibility to share Him with the world. You are not obligated to anyone else, but Christ. Write what He calls you to write, share what He calls you to share. Love Him and love His people. That will be your greatest testimony.
8 Comments
Bella Morganthal
3/5/2018 11:18:30 pm
Glad it was helpful, Sara!
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2/25/2018 05:14:00 pm
This was fantastic, Bella! Each of these posts has been so helpful to me! You were so right on every point here. =)
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Bella Morganthal
3/5/2018 11:18:51 pm
Aww thanks so much Livy!! :) <3
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Beth
2/25/2018 09:38:22 pm
Thanks for this Bella!!! I needed this!!! Keep doing what you do!
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Bella Morganthal
3/5/2018 11:19:14 pm
Aw, thank you so much, my friend!
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Anna P.
3/5/2018 06:41:44 pm
I learned so much from this post! I have had people who have read my books that don't know Jesus as their Savior yet, and ever since I have realized that, I have been striving to try and write knowing that not only Christians would be reading my book. Thanks for doing this post!! I really enjoy that you have posts for writers here! :)
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Bella Morganthal
3/5/2018 11:19:52 pm
That's awesome! Keep writing for God's glory, friend! And thank you for your encouragement :)
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This page of my blog is dedicated specifically to writers. I've been writing for over half of my life. I live and breathe writing. Because of that, I'm passionate about helping other writers grow, develop, and succeed. This section of my blog will include blog posts dedicated to writing, encouragement, and resources. Feel free to read through some posts and my contact form is always open if you ever have any questions or need encouragement! ♥ Archives
April 2018
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