Friday Fight 175: An Invitation

Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help fight darkness beginning in our minds. Today is FF175.

When we hear the word "language," what comes to mind? Perhaps it's the ability to speak multiple dialects, a positive tone, or someone trying not to use foul language. For this post, we will apply "language" to how we talk to others when referencing God. If we were not already Christians and heard ourselves speak to someone about God, would it move us to listen and learn more about God based on our language to others?

An Invitation:

To better prepare for this week's post, I have intentionally spent more time listening to others without contributing to the conversations. Unfortunately, some people feel that sharing about God is telling them the right or wrong thing to do. Yes, spiritual growth is essential, but Christians may forget how much we have grown personally and can be judgmental when people do not act like we feel they are supposed to act. Growth itself is challenging because it means being uncomfortable. However, it's crucial to remember that everyone's journey is unique, and we should approach others with understanding and empathy, showing them the same compassion and care that God shows us. Generally, people do not like being corrected, so this combination requires warmth and understanding, not stern disappointment. Sharing our opinions or imposing our way of thinking while quoting Scripture can easily resemble us telling people what God likes or dislikes. This behavior will decrease a desire for others to know Christ, giving people the impression that all Christians are judgmental. In Ephesians 5:2, “walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” We are encouraged by Paul that our behavior should be characterized by love, as Christ did when He sacrificed Himself on the cross. Walking in the character of Christ this way is not one time with one invitation but a continuous behavior of practice.

Let's look at another way to approach this. Next time there is an opportunity to share the love of God with someone, let's consider these perspectives. Modeling the love of our Heavenly Father is the most compelling and impactful way to share His hope and our faithfulness to Him. Conveying God and His love is the most significant invitation a person can ever receive, an invitation to know Him personally. This language is not a written script sent once but is cultivated from our hearts and minds and displayed actions as our words. Showing the love of Christ instead of simply talking about it allows for questions and concerns to be addressed and or answered through actions. People can see that bad things happen to everyone, but only through Christ do we find peace, hope, joy, and forgiveness. The impact of this modeling can inspire and motivate others to seek God.

Inviting people to know God can take many forms, often different from what we expect. An invitation to experience God could resemble various situations. These situations could include a walk with a new friend while sharing a God moment. Consider creating a book club that allows others to hear the hearts and experiences of others or inviting a friend to church and sitting together.

Allow me to share a recent example. A friend of mine frequented a small diner where he noticed a young server wearing larger framed eyeglasses using tape to hold the rims together. Her body language indicated she was embarrassed, possibly wearing someone else's glasses that were also broken. He noticed this for several months. To share the love of Christ by modeling His kindness, he made a deposit at a local optometrist's office to allow her to purchase new glasses.

When he returned to the restaurant to share this news with her, she was so overwhelmed with joy that it was difficult to speak. He handed her a card and explained everything. At that moment, his heart and God's love were apparent. This God-led act of kindness was his "invitation" for her to experience the mercy of God. This story illustrates the power and purpose of sharing God's love through our actions. Who can we invite to experience the love of God in our lives?

Pastor Shannon

New Life River Church