We hate seeing distress. If our child is reaching for a hot stove, we stop them. If we are in a restaurant and someone is choking, we would help. If we were to witness a child about to step into traffic, we would automatically step up to pull the child back. If we were to see a hurt puppy, we would come to its rescue. Even if we were to see a fish on dry land gasping for air, we would toss it into the water. We want to save the lost and the hurt.
Now let me ask you, what about those who are unsaved? A hurt puppy draws a tear, but a loved one not serving God and we don't even bat an eye. We want to help the lost and hurt, but knowing a dear friend is going down a path that leads to destruction and we avert our eyes. We are so afraid of offending or sounding "preachy" that we just keep quiet.
So how do we minister to the hurting and reach the lost?
Pray.
Pray for your loved ones who need to find Jesus. Pray intentionally and continually for the lost.
Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer
to God concerning them is for their salvation.
Romans 10:1
Live a life that speaks louder than words.
Live your life as an example. There is a saying that goes, "Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary use words." Let your actions and deeds represent God.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may
see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:6
Don't turn a blind eye.
If someone you know and love is going down a path of sin, don't turn a blind eye. Just as you wouldn't allow a child to walk into traffic, don't blindly let a loved one go down a sinful path. Save them!
Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you
who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching
out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted.
Galatians 6:1
Speak in love.
Don't shame. Don't accuse. Don't belittle. But go privately and offer guidance and prayer. Speak in love and in kindness.
Do everything in love.
1 Corinthians 16:14
Let's make 2020 a year of reaching our lost loved ones and growing the Kingdom of God.
It's time for Share A Link Wednesday! Each Wednesday we invite you to leave a link to your latest blog post in the comments. We still desire to connect women of God with one another and encourage each other in Christ. So grab a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea, sit back and visit a few blogs. Be encouraged and share your own stories.
This is freeing advice. I'm usually reluctant to speak up, but when you put it the way you do here, it sounds much easier and more loving. Thanks, Jenifer.
ReplyDeleteI posted today about abuse victims speaking up, ironically...and how we respond when they do.
https://www.lisanotes.com/do-you-judge-the-victim/
This is a helpful perspective. Though they might see us as "pushing our views on them," we're really trying to help them. We need God's grace and wisdom to know how and when to share.
ReplyDeleteI wrote this week that though many have found great blessing in choosing a word for the year, and it can be a good thing, God doesn't call everyone to do it: https://barbarah.wordpress.com/2020/01/06/you-dont-have-to-choose-a-word-for-the-year/
I loved this post, and it resonates with me this year because I distinctly feel called NOT to have a word for 2020.
DeleteSuch wise and practical advice with eternal benefits. Thank you, Jenifer!
ReplyDeleteMy post today is about making better choices: http://www.joanneviola.com/2020/01/a-better-year/
Yes, Joanne: "staying anchored from the start."
DeleteTruly this is the most helpful and most loving thing we can do for the people in our lives.
ReplyDeleteI'm sharing a post over at Patheos for the very first time and it would be a huge encouragement if folks would visit and share it with your people: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/redbudwritersguild/2020/01/diversity-and-the-church-a-culture-of-no-excuse/
This was such an inspiring post! I tell my kids all the time that they may be the only Bible that someone reads, so walk carefully. I wrote about 3 areas to find joy this week, http://keepingthetiethatbinds.com/2020/01/08/3-areas-to-find-joy-in-the-new-year/
ReplyDelete