The most important task that the church has been given is to take the Gospel to all the world (Mark 16:15). It is easy to donate money, pass out a tract, or mail a note to some stranger to accomplish this goal personally. However, it can be much more difficult to take the Gospel to family members or close friends. Out of our love and compassion for those we are close to, we want to see them saved. Knowing the only way is through obedience to the Gospel (2 The. 1:8,9), how do we ever get those we love to see the importance of obeying God’s plan?
First, we should always be gentle in dealing with those we love (1 The. 2:7,8). The apostle Paul gave the Gospel to the Thessalonians as gently as a nursing mother who cherishes her children. Think of all the time, attention, and care that is given to a child. This is how we must deal with family members and friends who need the truth. We can feed them the “milk of the word” (1 Pet. 2:2) slowly and deliberately. We then nurture them gently by showing them that “all have sinned” (Rom. 3:23) and all need a Savior (Mat. 11:29)—including us!
Second, we must confront the issue of Gospel obedience in a humble way. Paul loved the Corinthian congregation dearly including those who needed correcting. He asked them a pointed question, “Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that you might be exalted?” (2 Cor. 11:7). Paul preached the Gospel to the Corinthians without taking any funds from them so that they could obey and be exalted in the sight of God. There may be certain sacrifices we can make for those we love in order for them to follow God as well. Jesus said, “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Mat. 23:12).
Third, we must show them our sincerity (2 Tim. 3:10). People who knew Paul knew his doctrine and manner of life and it was consistent with the Gospel. The way we live matters (Phi. 1:27). Talking to family members and friends about the importance of Bible class, worship, morality, etc. is necessary but if we are not consistent in living it, it is all for nothing. When we let others see Christ living in us, (Gal 2:20) it will go a long way in leading them into the church.
~Derrick Coble
First, we should always be gentle in dealing with those we love (1 The. 2:7,8). The apostle Paul gave the Gospel to the Thessalonians as gently as a nursing mother who cherishes her children. Think of all the time, attention, and care that is given to a child. This is how we must deal with family members and friends who need the truth. We can feed them the “milk of the word” (1 Pet. 2:2) slowly and deliberately. We then nurture them gently by showing them that “all have sinned” (Rom. 3:23) and all need a Savior (Mat. 11:29)—including us!
Second, we must confront the issue of Gospel obedience in a humble way. Paul loved the Corinthian congregation dearly including those who needed correcting. He asked them a pointed question, “Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that you might be exalted?” (2 Cor. 11:7). Paul preached the Gospel to the Corinthians without taking any funds from them so that they could obey and be exalted in the sight of God. There may be certain sacrifices we can make for those we love in order for them to follow God as well. Jesus said, “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Mat. 23:12).
Third, we must show them our sincerity (2 Tim. 3:10). People who knew Paul knew his doctrine and manner of life and it was consistent with the Gospel. The way we live matters (Phi. 1:27). Talking to family members and friends about the importance of Bible class, worship, morality, etc. is necessary but if we are not consistent in living it, it is all for nothing. When we let others see Christ living in us, (Gal 2:20) it will go a long way in leading them into the church.
~Derrick Coble
