Lynchburg, Virginia — While speaking to students at Liberty University today, New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow advised those gathered that Christians are “not to judge” others.

Tebow was speaking at the university’s “Convocation Series,” which features “guest speakers of national significance from every sphere of society” each week.

During the question and answer period, Liberty University Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. presented Tebow with a question about how Christians are often viewed as being intolerant. Christian News Network has obtained audio of the segment.

“You hear a lot of claims in the media and from the secular world about how intolerant Christians are, and I’ve noticed it just seems to be the opposite,” Falwell stated. “Liberty students seem to be more welcoming, more tolerant of different types of people than people I encounter in the national media. Have you seen that as well? I mean, it just seems like Christians get the blame when they are really the most loving group and they’re called haters. And I just don’t see that among Christians.”

Tebow replied by advising that Christians should not judge, and should rather share their faith by building relationships.

“We should be. I know that. We should be, because we’re here to love, not to judge,” he said. “Not to make others feel inadequate, but to let them see how big our God is — how awesome our God is — and let them see that relationship with us.”

“And everyday, we should share the Gospel, and every now and then, use words. That doesn’t mean that we always have to be sharing our faith with people, but it does mean we have to live it out in front of them, because that’s how you really influence people — is by loving them and caring about them, and creating relationships,” Tebow continued. “And through that, they can see there’s something different about you. What is it? I can tell you about it. It’s my relationship with Christ.”

Tebow had been criticized for choosing to speak at the event at Liberty University, mainly from homosexual advocates who disdain the university’s beliefs that homosexuality is sinful. He has also been making headlines recently for canceling a speaking engagement at a church that is regarded by some as being controversial.

As previously reported, the New York Jets quarterback was to speak at a celebration service for a new $130 million facility belonging to First Baptist Church of Dallas, an effort that is said to be the largest church building project in history. However, following word that Tebow was to make an appearance at the grand opening of the facility, many homosexual advocates and other groups began to express concern because of statements that the pastor, Robert Jeffress, had made in the past. Jeffress reportedly has noted that he believes homosexual behavior is contrary to the Bible, and has spoken against Mormons, Muslims, Jews and Catholics.

Days later, Tebow announced on Twitter that he had canceled the appearance.

“While I was looking forward to sharing a message of hope and Christ’s unconditional love with the faithful members of the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas in April, due to new information that has been brought to my attention, I have decided to cancel my upcoming appearance,” he wrote. “I will continue to use the platform God has blessed me with to bring faith, hope and love to all those needing a brighter day. Thank you for all of your love and support. God bless!”

Photo: Craig O’Neal

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