Amen to this talk! The more time I spent around ungodly relatives the more agitated in my heart and the less bold I was, it was better to stay away from them after sharing the gospel. When our confidence is continually beaten down by rejection the less bold we become. It has been my experience that the world is easily offended by anything a Christian might say. Even when we are innocent in our actions or comments the world will be offended thinking it is what you said or did but don't realize it is the Holy Spirit in you that is offending them. I would probably replace the words "self-esteem" with "confidence." We ought not to esteem ourselves but to have confidence because of Christ. Just a thought! Also, the world is now in the church, because of this there will be the same angst toward us in the church at times that we encounter when with non-believers.
