A friend of mine’s father prayed for and witnessed to his brother, named Bob, for many years and saw very little response. However, after Bob was diagnosed with a brain tumor, my friend’s father was able to lead his brother to Christ in the hospital.
My friend says his father’s testimony and gentle spirit through the years were vital in keeping open the doors of communication with his brother. Less than two months after Bob followed Christ, he passed away, but the family celebrated the fact that he left this world assured of eternal salvation.
Truth must be spoken with love, friends. Ephesians 4:15 reminds us of the importance of “speaking the truth in love” so that we may serve Christ with wisdom. The Liberty Bible Commentary says of this passage, “The truth should always be spoken in love without any tricks or gimmicks.”
Ephesians 4:29 carries on this point, saying, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Again The Liberty Bible Commentary notes, “Corrupt speech will contaminate the thoughts of others.” Indeed, if we speak without true love, our words will fall on deaf ears and possibly even cause further separation from Christ among the very people to whom we witness.
With our theme this month of engaging the cultures in which we live for Christ, let’s close this Bible study with an important verse that reminds us what love really looks like. I John 3:18 tells us this: “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”
If you want to effectively communicate the Gospel, show the love of Christ and minister beyond yourself and your comfort zone. Don’t grow weary in the well-doing of being a witness for Christ, but rather allow God to infuse and encourage you with His wisdom, His grace and His love.
Your friend in Christ,
Jonathan Falwell