Bible Verse: “…as I have loved you, love one another.” (John 13:34b)
Scripture Reading: Mark 5:21-43
Men, we have done some deep work the past two days. Today, we’ll examine three practical steps we can all take to share our faith.
Step One: Remember Who They Are
Think about the people you’ll see over the next 24 hours: family, friends, coworkers, cashiers, clients, etc. Imagine their faces, and recall their stories (What’s his wife’s name again? Where did he grow up?)
Each one is invaluable and worthy of respect. God’s love for them is the only foundation for evangelism (John 3:16). They are worthy of your love because they already have His love.
Step Two: Treat Them Accordingly
Set an alarm to go off once every waking hour. When it goes off, say this prayer: “Lord, everyone I meet is made in Your image (Genesis 1:26-27) and loved by You. Help me join You in loving them, and show me how.”
You don’t have to make anything happen. Just listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading and obey. Jesus’ ministry was mostly interruptions; He didn’t plan to go to Zacchaeus’ house (Luke 19:1-10) or heal that bleeding woman (Mark 5:29). He responded to what He saw His Father doing in the moment (John 5:19-20).
Enjoy the adventure of entering your day not knowing how God will lead but expecting that He will open doors for you to love others. Love is the foundation of all evangelism.
Step Three: Open Your Table
Jesus would have gladly eaten with the likes of us; we’re just another group of tax collectors and sinners (Luke 5:30-32). Jesus dined with CEOs (Zacchaeus), traitors (Matthew), and tradesmen (Peter).
One of the simplest steps we can take is to begin deliberately eating with others who don’t know God. Invite someone who doesn’t know Christ to share a meal with you in the next week. Then do it again. Be open to joining the guys for an impromptu lunch or an unexpected BBQ with the neighbors across the street.
Enter into that meal wondering what God is already doing in those peoples’ lives. Ask good questions about their lives (Jesus asked a lot of questions), and see if topics come up that allow you to share a sentence or two about your faith naturally.
God loves everyone. Treat them accordingly. Invite people to eat with you.
See what happens.
Prayer: Lord, fill me with Your love for all Your children. Show me how I can join Your work of serving those I meet and sharing my hope in You. Amen.
Reflection: What is one step you could take to ensure you follow through with the three steps above? Could you invite a friend, roommate, or spouse to do this with you? How might you overcome the fear and resistance naturally arising as you take these steps?
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