Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV): “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
I think, Selwyn is right when he says: “Evangelism should never be insensitive and intrusive … We take advantage of every opportunity to share Christ, even offer Him, but we must always respect the right of the person to whom we are witnessing to say ‘No’.”
There are a number of occasions in the New Testament where ‘those who listened to Jesus, turned away from Him. Did Jesus run after them and try to press them into making the right decision. No, He let them go.’
Likewise, even though He loves you – if you turn away from the truth – that’s your decision!
The prayer for today is worth your meditation: “Father, forgive me if I put people off by insensitivity and aggressiveness. May I present the gospel clearly and in a gracious manner, but also respect the right of others to say ‘No’. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
[I've just installed a Podcast plugin for WordPress and this enables the ability to present audio and video material. Not sure if I have this facility working efficiently - but it's a start.
On my other site, I've uploaded an excellent homily by Richard Wright on the first sixteen verses of the second Chapter of Paul's letter to Romans.]
The right to say ‘No’
Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV): “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
I think, Selwyn is right when he says: “Evangelism should never be insensitive and intrusive … We take advantage of every opportunity to share Christ, even offer Him, but we must always respect the right of the person to whom we are witnessing to say ‘No’.”
There are a number of occasions in the New Testament where ‘those who listened to Jesus, turned away from Him. Did Jesus run after them and try to press them into making the right decision. No, He let them go.’
Likewise, even though He loves you – if you turn away from the truth – that’s your decision!
The prayer for today is worth your meditation: “Father, forgive me if I put people off by insensitivity and aggressiveness. May I present the gospel clearly and in a gracious manner, but also respect the right of others to say ‘No’. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
[I've just installed a Podcast plugin for WordPress and this enables the ability to present audio and video material. Not sure if I have this facility working efficiently - but it's a start.
On my other site, I've uploaded an excellent homily by Richard Wright on the first sixteen verses of the second Chapter of Paul's letter to Romans.]