For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth...Eph 5:9
Winter 2002 Volume 3, Issue 1 |
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Trying to win a friend or loved one to Christ can be one of the most difficult and frustrating tasks in all the world. But, it can be so rewarding if we succeed! Proverbs 11:30 states, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life: and he that winneth souls is wise.” All Christians should seek to win souls. The Great Com.mission commands Christians to do so - “And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Fulfilling this commission included teaching those in our own families and among our personal friends. There are good and bad ways to go about this task. Sometimes a Christian is so close to the one he or she is trying to win to Christ that the proper perspective is lost, and more harm is done than good. There are some things we need to keep in mind which will help us in trying to win a lost loved one to Jesus. Consider the following thoughts... 1. Your Christian example and influence are important. Always set a Christian example consistently (Matt. 5:14; Phil. 2:15). If you are easily persuaded to forsake Bible study and worship, you ruin your opportunity to save this soul. 2. Be willing to call on the elders or preacher for assistance in teaching this one. These men often have had more experience and success at winning souls privately than you may know. They are not your enemies, but are your best friends in this work. Sometimes the prospect objects to discussing the Bible with the preacher because of a deep fear of his objections being answered, and he will be called upon to make a decision. Not seeking their counsel could set your efforts back, especially if you are not experienced, or haven't yet succeeded. 3. Don't be critical of the church, its work, the brethren, the preaching, or Bible classes in front of this prospect. Such behavior will discourage this one from obeying, and he or she may use these negative comments as tools of Satan to avoid ever obeying the Gospel. Besides, to talk in such a way is sin (Eph. 4:29, 31). |
4. Don't be so anxious to see this person baptized that you would be willing to by-pass the process of the necessary steps and length of time needed for the Seed (the Word) to be properly planted in this person's heart and begin to germinate. He or she needs to have time (Rom. 10:17). Sometimes we become impatient and expect instant results. Such is not realistic, nor is it promised by the Lord (Lk. 8:11-18; I Cor. 3:5-9). Obeying the Gospel requires faith, commitment, and self-sacrifice (Rom. 12:1-2; Luke 9:23-24). 5. Expect your friend or loved one to become angry or cry, on occasion, when the conscience is pricked. This is normal reaction by many. It means they are thinking; he or she is giving serious consideration to what is being taught. God's Word is working in them. This is no time to apologize for the Truth, but to reinforce it (John 8:32: Acts 7:51-54). Putting the old man of sin to death is a painful matter, and pain is to be expected. 6. Do not be offended on behalf of this one and do not compromise the truth he or she hears. Sometimes a non-Christian would not think to be offended if a weak brother or sister had not suggested it to them! To do such a thing is to betray Christ and the Gospel. Let the Word of God (the Gospel) run and have free course in their heart. Don't try to stifle it (2 Thess 3:1). After all, if they are ever saved, it will be by the truth of the Gospel, and by nothing else (Rom. 1:16). 7. Remember, that often, one who argues and fights the most may be closer to obeying the Truth than you may realize. In sales, a prospect who has no reaction to the salesman usually does not buy. It is the prospect who objects and argues most who is closest to giving in and making a purchase. Don't YOU give in at this point and ruin the sale - the conversion of this precious soul. 8. Pray for this one to have a heart open and receptive to the Truth (1 Thess. 2:13). 9. Follow Peter's inspired commands on this subject (1 Pet. 3:1-2). Stephen P. Waller | |
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