Bridget A. Thomas
Every day is a gift!
Showing Others the Love of God
My husband and I have an acquaintance whom we have known for many years. Recently, though, this person’s attitude has seemed to take a turn. Long story short, his communications have been vulgar at times. I told my husband he should stop communicating with him. But he hasn’t. When I asked my husband why he still talks to him, he explained that he fears for this person’s soul. He truly believes this person is not saved, and he hopes that his connection with him will help alter that. I must say that I admire my husband’s character to forge ahead, for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
When Jesus walked this earth, we see how He too often associated with people who were not believers.
While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” – Mark 2:15-17
Jesus came so that all might be saved. And as His followers, we are to help bring people to Him.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20
In the words of the late writer, teacher, and pastor, Andrew Murray, “What the Church and the world both need is this: men and women full of the Holy Ghost and of love, who, as the living embodiments of the grace and power of Christ, witness for Him, and for His power on behalf of those who believe in Him.”
Yet Jesus also warns us that if we are not accepted, it might be appropriate to move on. When sending out His disciples, He told them, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” (Matthew 10:14).
It is also important to not put ourselves in situations that we know are wrong or might tempt us to sin. Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” So we have to be careful how we approach people or situations. For example, my husband might still talk to this person, but that doesn’t mean he will spend time with him in undesirable places.
So how can we know when it is right to persist and when we should move on? If we stay in tune to the Lord and listen to His promptings, He will lead us. Sometimes the Holy Spirit will lay a burden on our hearts for certain people. I believe that is what He has done with my husband in regards to this acquaintance of ours. And whether we continue to associate with certain people or not, we can always keep praying for them.
We can also be a witness to those around us, just by being ourselves. I have a coworker who has told me before that when we witness to others, it is not always with our words. And he is right. Just by being kind, we are showing people the love of Jesus. Eventually it will make an impact. Especially in our world today. When someone is always nice, it stands out.
Like my husband is in this situation, we can keep being nice to those around us. We are called to show others the love of Jesus. “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:17)
© 2022 Bridget A. Thomas
Bridget A. Thomas 
I commend your husband’s attitude towards that person. As you said God has clearly put a burden on his heart. But we are also to be aware. You summed up so well all that we need to be aware of and remember as we show love to those around us. Words are not always needed, actions make an impact and as you said sometime it is just how we carry ourselves through various situations and towards others that makes an impact.
Blessings my friend 💙
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It can be difficult to navigate situations like these. But staying in tune with the Holy Spirit is key. When we abide in Jesus and His love, we will naturally be able to pour out the fruit of the Spirit to those around us. Blessings to you too, friend! 🤗
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I, too, admire your husband’s faithfulness to God to continue to witness to this person. It can be a slippery slope, but God has called us to ministry to the hurting—just like Christ. Blessings!
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A slippery slope – that is a good way to put it. I am so thankful that we can rely on the Lord to guide us on the slopes. He will help us navigate safely. Blessings to you too!
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Hi Bridget thanks for this post. It’s a good reminder to be prayerful and deliberate yet discerning and gracious!
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You summed it up perfectly! Thanks for stopping by! 🤗
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Being a missionary is never easy.
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So very true!
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This is such a beautiful message Bridget. God most definitely does put individuals on our hearts. Jesus is a friend of sinners. So we should be that friend to those in need as well, being careful not to join in there sins. But God does call us to go out into the world and He does want us to make those connections and be that light. There’s a verse in Jeremiah that reminds us to be careful. It’s this one here.
….Let the people turn to you [and learn to value My values]—
But you, you must not turn to them [with regard for their idolatry and wickedness]. Jeremiah 15:9 (Amplified Bible)
Wonderful post my friend. Have a lovely weekend. ❤🤗
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Thank you for sharing the verse from Jeremiah. A good reminder to keep our eyes on the Lord. We can share the Good News with others, while keeping our hearts tightly tethered to Him. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, my friend! I hope you have a lovely weekend also! ♥️🌹
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Hi Bridget. That’s good your husband is persisting with the acquaintance and as you mentioned, God will direct him. We have to pay attention to God’s direction because we do have to interact with unbelievers to share the love of Christ. But it’s also good to know God will show us how to not become like them while being a witness. He’ll also tell us when to go our separate way and just continue to pray for them. Because relationships are not always possible.
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Very true! Your words are spot on. So much of this and our lives in general boils down to having a close walk with the Holy Spirit and staying in tune with Him. Thank you for stopping by, Dawn! ♥️
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Praying this persons heart can be reached…surely God is being glorified in the midst of your husband’s perseverance. Great example!! I love how you said our kindness will eventually make an impact…very encouraging!!!
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Thank you! We never know how our kindness might impact others. And we will know that through our kindness, we honored God. ♥️🤗
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