Dear Truro family,
Every Sunday we pray: “And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord…” One of the ways God answers this prayer is by putting us in conversations during the week with people who are hurting, grieving, or far from him. How can we be more effective witnesses of Jesus when we find ourselves in this position? Three suggestions:
- Listen instead of fixing. As Job once said to his friends “Oh that you would keep silent, and it would be your wisdom!” (Job 13:5). It’s more than OK for you to simply listen, and not say much.
- Pray instead of preaching. When someone is suffering, they can find advice anywhere. What they can’t find anywhere is someone who will offer to pray for them.
- God’s Word instead of your words. The Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). What you have to say might be good, but God’s Word is so much better. Even if you can only think of one verse (how about Psalm 23:1?), that’s more than enough.
Listen. Pray. Speak God’s Word. Repeat as needed! Being a “faithful witness” really can be that simple.
Jamie