“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2).
If you want to win your neighbors to Christ, act like a Christian.
I am learning that people do not always believe what I say about myself. Instead, they watch what I do.
Here is an example of what I mean: I told Catherine I wanted to be her friend. I told her she could trust me.Did she believe me? Not right away.
Catherine started watching me. She watched my reactions. She tested me. She learned that I was loyal because I didn’t talk about her behind her back to other people. I was honest when I told her things; I didn’t lie. Finally, she started to trust me.
I asked Catherine why it had taken her so long to believe I was her friend. She said, “Trust must be earned.”
Witnessing for Christ is like the scenario I have just shared. If you are a Christian and want to win your neighbors to Jesus, know this: they won’t believe your words without seeing your actions.
Make sure your words and deeds match. Make an effort to live a holy life. Ask Jesus to give you favor with your neighbors. Console them when they are hurt and when bad things happen to them.
If you love your neighbors, they will listen to what you say about the Lord Jesus Christ. They will believe you when you tell them God has a wonderful plan for their lives.
Kimberly Snider is a missionary to the Philippines.
From “Moments for Moms,” a free email subscription.
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