Finding Common Ground

In an online article on Faithward.org titled “What Does the Bible Say about Sharing the Gospel?” Grace Ruiter writes:

“Evangelism itself often has more to do with building relationships than building a case for Christianity. In fact, most evangelists look more like the neighbor who offers to shovel a snowy driveway than the street preacher who peddles salvation like a heavenly retirement plan.”

Jesus commanded His followers, in Mark 16:15, to “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” The most influential way to do that is by listening to people’s stories without judgment, respecting their viewpoints and cultural backgrounds, and building trust. It’s about finding common ground, in order to sow the seed of faith, and allowing the Holy Spirit cultivate that seed.

Perhaps the problem is not that people are unwilling to hear the Gospel, but more about the fact that we may not be sharing the Good News in a way that shows God’s love.

Therefore, allow God to use you in loving ways. Ask Him to help you build relationships with those who have hostility towards Christians. Be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14) in your daily lives.

It’s not our responsibility to defend God, it’s our responsibility, as Christians, to reveal Jesus.