Throughout our very social lives, we have opportunities to tell our friends and peers about Christ. Too many times we don’t take that wonderful opportunity because we are either too scared about how they will react or we simply don’t know how to convert them. Even today, I’m still a little scared to bring my friends to the way of Christ in fear of losing them as a friend. We all have the potential power to save a life spiritually. It’s just a matter of finding how we should go about saving lives and how to save them effectively. There are a few things that one must have or know before they can save someone.

One thing that you have to do is pray. As long as we are righteous, we can talk to the Almighty God (cf. Psalm 66:18). Another thing we have to do is be prepared. Sometimes you only have a few minutes to open the door of communication. Some good questions to be prepared for include: where did we come from, who are we, why are we here, how should we live, and where are we going? Keep in mind that people generally don’t change overnight. It is important to stay in the driver’s seat to productively progress the conversation and expose faulty thinking. You should pose questions to start making them think.

There are three things that we need to be effective. The first one is knowledge. We must know the central message of God’s Kingdom. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 is a good passage that sums up the central theme: the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ Jesus. The next thing that we need is wisdom. Having wisdom will make the message clear and persuasive. How do we attain wisdom? One very powerful way is prayer (James 1:5-8). The final thing that we need to be effective is character. If we do not embody the virtues of the King we serve, we only undermine our efforts. Galatians 5:19-23 and 2 Peter 1:5-8 lists the things our character should have and should not have. We do not need to be frightened of the truth or frightened of the adversaries we’re fighting. Always make it a goal to keep up conversations. Let’s make sure that if they get offended it is the ideas that offend them and not our behavior.

If you put a pebble in your shoe, you will be able to feel it, even if it is really small. Sometimes our goal is to put a pebble in someone’s shoe. Give them something to think about that will make them remember that conversation that occurred. Not all Christians are harvesters; some are planters. You may not think that the small seed you have planted will do any good, but as time passes that seed may become fruitful and produce more seeds, and a chain reaction begins. Their faith must be genuine. Don’t force them to believe the things that you do and don’t feed a steak to a baby (1 Corinthians 3:1-2).

Here are some quick tips.

• Be ready! We have to be ready at any moment to tell others about the gospel. We must always be looking for the opportunity.
• Keep it simple! There is no need to go from Genesis to Revelation in one conversation. Focus on the truth of Christianity, not your own personal feelings!
• Give reasons! People still care about reasons, even in a world that focuses on emotion. If they want to go, let them leave! When the conversation turns into a monolog, it’s time to let go. Don’t be forceful with the conversation; leave them with something to think about.
• Don’t be afraid! A true friend will be open minded about your beliefs.

May we all help our friends find the one true Way.

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Jennifer Odom

Jennifer has been a Christian since October 2011. She lives in Fairfield, Illinios and worships at the Fairfield Church of Christ where her father is the minister. She is a 16-year-old senior in high school and plans to attend Freed-Hardeman University in the fall of 2017. She enjoys reading, crocheting, and Bible journaling. Jennifer's favorite verse is Philippians 1:21. One day she wants to speak at ladies days, become a missionary, and bring as many people as she can with her to heaven.

Latest posts by Jennifer Odom (see all)

• Going the Distance - July 23, 2020
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• Little Did They Know - August 21, 2017