[Ohio-Communities-of-Faith] "Winning with Love" - Brenda Walsh Ministries Daily Devotion

Mon Jun 21 10:10:25 UTC 2021

View this email in your browser

Winning with Love
Christians everywhere have heard sermons on the importance of spreading the gospel to the world. But few truly know the true meaning of Mark 16:15 when Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” For some people, they dismiss this Scripture with the belief that it doesn’t apply to them–only to ministers and preachers, while others truly take it to heart and can’t stop telling everyone they meet all the things they are doing wrong. Both approaches fail. The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:15: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Notice how God says gentleness! No one wants to be told what they are doing wrong, and shoving Christianity down their throats will only make them gag–not draw them closer! The number one rule when witnessing is to start with prayer, asking God to fill you up with His Holy Spirit and to lead, guide, and direct you to witnessing opportunities. You can’t share what you do not have, so this step is crucial. It’s also important to remember that when you are witnessing to others, you are representing Christ, so His character needs to shine through you. Be kind–like Jesus. Be patient–like Jesus. Be loving–like Jesus. Some Christians believe that to witness you need to give a Bible study, but witnessing is so much more than that. Your most powerful witness is through your actions, not your words. Talk is cheap and this old saying is so true: Don’t tell me, show me. If you hear about someone who is lonely or depressed, pay them a visit. Take them flowers, a fruit basket, home baked cookies, or a good uplifting book–letting them know you care. If someone is sick, find out what you can do to help. Do they have pets that need looking after? Childcare needs? Lawn mowed? Sometimes just sitting down with someone and listening to them share their burdens is exactly what they need to feel someone cares. Just showing up can make a difference. Be friendly, be real, and be authentic. If you are being nice because someone else may notice or you want a pat on the back, then all your good work is for nothing! You’ll never win someone to Jesus by pounding doctrine down their throats or chastising them for not being like you. The most effective way to draw people to Jesus is to ‘win them with love.’ TEXT: Matthew 5:16, Ephesians 5:15-17, Ephesians 4:15, James 2:14-17

Bible Texts:
Matthew 5:16 NKJV - "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. 

Ephesians 5:15-17 NKJV - See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord [is]. 

Ephesians 4:15 NKJV - but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- 

James 2:14-17 NKJV - What [does it] profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what [does it] profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com

Share
Tweet
Forward

Our mailing address is:
Brenda Walsh Ministries
PO Box 2238
Collegedale, TN 37315

Add us to your address book

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from receiving emails.  

Shelley Duffy