‘When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.” That ended Paul’s discussion with them, but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the council, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.’ Acts of the Apostles 17:32-34
If we proclaim our faith boldly in the workplace, social circles, and around our family, we will get a couple of different responses.
We will have those who laugh and mock.
We will have those who defer their response and observe us as we live out our faith.
We will have those who join us in our faith in Jesus Christ.
For some reason, we tend to focus and double our efforts to convince those who do not respond in faith.
We think of ways to rephrase our beliefs; we try to hone our skills in our presentation to be more convincing.
Paul gives us the proper response to our witnessing efforts and it is found in this verse:
“That ended Paul’s discussion with them.”
Here’s the truth, people are going to be persuaded far more by the work that Jesus Christ does in our lives than the words that come out of our mouth.
It is by God’s grace and will that we came to know Jesus Christ as our Savior, and the same thing applies to those around us.
Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
As a witness for Jesus Christ, the change in our lives is going to be the most impactful thing to those around us.
Our lives should stand out as different from those around us.
Our lives should be a model of the Biblical principles that we read about every day.
Our lives should be marked with compassion, humility, and submission to God’s Word.
Joshua 1:8 NLT
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
With a consistent study of God’s Word, we start to understand God’s promises, and we begin to learn our identity based on what God says about us.
This consistency will begin to change our thinking, our attitudes, and the way we live.
When we start to see ourselves through the Word of God instead of what is forced on us through the media channels that are vying for our attention, 24/7, we will act in a manner consistent with the things we allow to shape us.
This doesn’t mean that we stop caring for those around us, or that we are not available if they reach out to us.
We keep them in our prayers and ask God to change their hearts and to give them the faith to accept Jesus Christ.
And here’s the promise:
1 John 5:14-15 NLT
And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.
And here is God’s Will:
2 Peter 3:9 NLT
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
So start praying for God to change the hearts of those around you, it is His will.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your promises. I pray that You continue to shape and change hearts.
I pray that You provide the hope and faith to those around me to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
I thank You for the hearts of the people around me; I pray that You give me the ability to see them with compassion and the willingness to serve them according to Your will.
I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!! 🙏❤️
