Text: Acts 14:1-20 | Listen to Message
Sharing the Gospel with empathy
A perfectly-cut diamond is a thing of unparalleled glory. Each facet creates a different angle for light to enter, bounce around, and then radiate outward with maximum brilliance and beauty.
The Gospel is like that. Instead of giving us one facet of good news, the Bible gives us dozens and dozens of facets. Instead of merely saying, “Trust Jesus and you’ll go to heaven when you die,” the Bible says Jesus is freedom, forgiveness, righteousness, cleansing, healing, hope, rescue, restoration, adoption, satisfaction, joy, eternal life – and much, much more – here and now!
So how can you best radiate the light of Jesus through your life?
First, mediate on the different facets of the Gospel and preach them to yourself everyday. Build a mental library of Gospel illustrations, stories, and perspectives.
Then as you interact with others, learn to listen first. What are they looking to for meaning and significance? What do they fear? What do they praise? What are they passionate about? What motivates them? What are they living for? What do they think they need to be satisfied and happy? What’s their idea of truth? What do they think is wrong with the world – and what do they think is the solution?
Finally, share the Gospel on common ground. For example, if you learn that someone is longing for freedom, you could show them how they’re probably less free than they think they are and you could illustrate the kinds of real freedom found in Christ. If you learn that someone is longing for the kind of love that won’t give up on them or let them down, you could talk to them about the unconditional, free, relentless love of Jesus.
What are some ways you could share the Gospel on common ground with your friends?