Thought of the Day !!

Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone. – Colossians 4:5 (NLT)

How often have we missed opportunities to share our faith with those who've not truly accepted Jesus?  Some people can talk to a sign post.  Yet others have trouble beginning conversations.  Many of us are afraid of saying the wrong things, or we feel inadequate in our own faith to share.  But if God provides a moment for us to share our story, there's no wrong words.  Our faith story is our story of our own love of Christ and how our lives have changed because of what He's done for us.  You don't have to have any grand theological words.  As a matter of fact, it's normally more effective when you don't.  Just talk to people honestly and openly.

The latter part of this verse teaches us to let our conversation be "gracious and effective".  When we attempt to speak to people about Christ, these two things should be first and foremost on our minds.  We're not going to win people to the Lord by pointing out all their faults or telling them that if they don't get saved that they're going to hell.  True evangelism is about forming relationships with people so that you open up to them honestly and in a loving way.  Then what we say will be credible.  

In the love of Christ,

greg