"I asked why and just listened. "
When witnessing to someone about Jesus we often think of it as talking. As in we are talking. Maybe the training we have had has conditioned us to prepare the perfect two minute testimony along with a Romans road of scripture. Throw in the four spiritual laws and lead them in a prayer. (All those tools are great by the way. I use every last one when I can.)
But even Jesus when telling people about himself had a dialogue and not a monologue. The woman at the well shows us this truth fully. She had questions and he had answers. He stated things that intrigued her as well as engaged her and even shocked her. I would imagine a discussion with Jesus would be all of the above.
People aren't stupid. They know when we are waiting for them to stop talking so we can say what we were planning to say. Discussion is one thing but ignoring what they are saying so you can drop a script or debate is quite another.
Love listens as well as speaks. If we truly love people then we will listen to their hearts and their questions. We will honestly answer even if the answer is "I don't know." We will hurt and cry with them. We will share a laugh and a smile. Our words won't be scripted but will come from the heart and be led of the Spirit.
As we follow the ways of Jesus we will see the results he had too. Some will mock and scoff, some will follow and then fall away, and some will truly get it and will become disciples of Jesus. The world is waiting for the Answer. We have Him.
How can we be better equipped to listen and share the love of Jesus? How do you feel when people listen to you?
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