The Letter
Does anyone ever wonder, why the God of the universe, would choose to use imperfect people to communicate His perfect love?
In our frailty and humanness, we are tasked with sharing His plan of redemption.
The “Good News,” that Jesus, the sacrificial lamb, resolved the chasm between holiness and sin.
This life-altering directive became apparent when, as a teen, I began faithfully pursuing the Lord.
I traveled across state lines with friends from youth group, to learn how to share the message of the gospel.
Day after day, hundreds of young people gathered to practice this extraordinary task.
What I can’t recall about the training was how to handle follow-up.
Did we just present the gospel and leave it at that?
Surely, I missed something.
But for some reason, I got it in my head that this important message hinged on my ability to get it right.
The first time.
Our assignment, once training concluded:
Write a letter to someone back home, who didn’t know Christ.
As the good rule follower I am, I poured my heart out, declaring the truth of the gospel.
That is, the truth as I understood it, at the age of fourteen.
Upon returning home, I found myself crippled with fear at the thought of encountering the recipient of my letter.
Awkward hesitation filled every interaction and I prayed she would bring it up.
After a few months, she finally mentioned the letter, but I was so uncomfortable, I didn’t dive further into the topic.
Well…that was a super fail!
Fast forward a few decades and I cringe thinking about those interactions.
The intent of the training, while useful in theory, left me questioning the entire process.
I have since learned the potential error of communicating through writing.
What I mean by that is, I can thoroughly prepare what I plan to communicate, with the purest of intentions; but the recipient chooses what to do with the information.
They can choose to receive or reject the message, solely based on their reality.
Much like the parable of The Sower found in Matthew 13:1-23, I can deliver an identical message, but what determines whether growth springs forth?
The way in which the hearer receives the information.
Maybe they take immediate offense because I compare my relationship with God to that of a loving Father.
Their reality instantly takes them to the messy relationship they know with their earthly father, therefore, the message is rejected.
Conclusion… Lack of follow-up, leaves room for misinterpretation.
Below are a few useful tips I have gathered for communicating the “Good News;” in person or through written word.
We must take EVERY opportunity to LIVE out the message. 1 John 3:18-19
Our words can be well researched, rehearsed, and perfectly articulate.
Nevertheless, if our lifestyle and actions speak in contradiction to that message; there is little hope of pointing people to Jesus.
2. Listen, and meet people where they are. 1 Corinthians 9:22-23
Seek first to understand… How has their experience influenced what they believe?
With a better understanding of their reality, we can lean into our strengths, and be the example of Christ they most need.
“But how will people call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher (messenger)? And how will they preach unless they are commissioned and sent [for that purpose]? Just as it is written and forever remains written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” (Romans 10:14-15, AMP)
3. We must understand that it is NOT our job to convict someone with persuasive language or a stellar sales pitch. John 16:7-10
God can use a willing heart, but it is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit that will prompt change.
“Evangelism itself often has more to do with building relationships than building a case for Christianity. In fact, most evangelists look more like the neighbor who offers to shovel a snowy driveway than the street preacher who peddles salvation like a heavenly retirement plan.” ~ Grace Ruiter
4. Pray, pray again, and then throw in a little more prayer.
We need to understand that we may not reap the benefits of our evangelistic efforts.
In fact, statistics indicate that people may need to hear the message three times, prior to acceptance.
Saturate your efforts with prayer and plant the seed.
You may be the first step, in a long journey leading them towards salvation.
I cannot honestly say where my letter recipient is in the process of redemption, or how my blunder impacted her walk.
I simply pray that God will allow me an opportunity to reconcile my mistake and point her toward our merciful Savior.
My prayers go out to you, dear reader, as you seek to impact your sphere with the “Good News!”
