Have you ever felt a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit directing you to talk about spiritual things with a friend or even an acquaintance, but felt too nervous or unprepared to take the plunge? Many of us have encountered that nervous feeling from time to time.
It’s a crazy thing, really, when you think about it. Why are we hesitant to talk about spiritual things with other people, especially if we know Jesus Christ and He is making a bonafide difference in our lives? Isn’t that worth talking about? Isn’t He worth sharing? And isn’t the hope He gives us worth spreading?
But, whether it’s a ploy of the enemy or just a matter of personal insecurities, I’ve had difficulty at times taking a very real cue from the Holy Spirit to introduce a more spiritual tone to a conversation. I’ve played it safe and stayed in neutral territory, settling for small talk rather than spiritual talk.
However, over the years, as I’ve invested myself in ministry opportunities, I’ve forced myself to try and break through those perceived barriers so I can be a more effective witness for Christ. I’m determined not to waste an opportunity, if I can possibly help it, to share the love of Christ and the hope He gives with anyone who may be the least bit receptive.
Here are a few pointers for gently nudging a conversation toward the spiritual:
- Ask God to present you with opportunities for spiritual discussions. Give Him permission to bang you on the head with them if necessary! I’ve had to ask God to make those obvious entry ways even more obvious to me, since I found myself noticing them only in my rear view mirror, so to speak. Ask for sensitivity to others that alerts you to when they’re seeking, curious, open, and even thirsty for truth.
- Pray for your lost friends, neighbors and acquaintances, so that you are already thinking spiritually in regards to them.
- Don’t think of it as having “the talk.” Just approach those natural transitions as opportunities to share a little bit about the difference God has made in your life. Then if the Lord allows for the conversation to deepen, so be it. You can be assured He will walk you through every thrilling minute of it!
- Rehearse daily what God has done in your life recently so you’re ready to share. I’m not suggesting a rote rehearsal of some sort of speech. Instead, I’m encouraging you to notice and thank God daily for the things He is teaching you, providing for you, helping you with, giving you victory over, etc. Then it will be only natural for you to share those things with another.
- Ask simple questions that require a little thought. If your friend is talking with you about a problem she’s having — in her marriage, with her child, at work, with a particular goal, overcoming a bad habit, etc. — approach that as an opportunity to help her think about the spiritual implications. You might ask: Have you prayed about this? Have you considered what the Bible has to say about this? This reminds me of a Proverb from the Bible; are you familiar with Proverbs?
- Supply connecting points. If you know your friend is not a believer, but she’s seeking help in a particular area and seems open, provide an appropriate point for her to connect with Christ and the Bible. Invite her to your MOPS group, your church’s worship service, your women’s Bible study, a women’s event at your church. Suggest a Christian book on the topic of concern, or a Christian web site. Tell her how this “connecting point” has benefited you.
- Follow up on the connection. Ask what she thought about the church service and see if she has any questions about what she experienced. Talk about the book you recommended and she read. Discuss the women’s event you attended together.
- Ask if you can pray for your friend. And it’s especially beneficial if you can offer to pray for her right there on the spot, depending on the circumstance. If you can’t pray in her presence, at least tell her specifically what you’ll be praying for and assure her God will hear your prayers on her behalf. Then follow up later. By the way, surveys show that the vast majority of people welcome the gesture of someone praying for them; very few find it offensive.
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I had a moment like this just this morning . . . with the girl who washed my hair at the hairdresser! The last time I was in there she brought up some spiritual questions, so this time I prayed for her before I went in and I gently brought up the topic again by just asking how she had been doing. I also told her that I have been praying for her (which is entirely true). Last time I gave her my phone numbers, and this time I made sure she still had them for when she "really" wants to talk. ๐
I was so happy because the conversation wasn't forced–it was just natural between us.
(If you think of it, please pray for Beth. She told me she's been making some self-destructive decisions lately and that she's not good enough to come to God. I told her that was a lie.)
Great tips, Kay. Reminds me of what Paul told the Corinthians – don't get knotted up about what to say. I confess that my tendency is to knot! Thanks for the practical tips.
Hugs from VA ๐
Thanks Kay! 6 months ago I was scared to death to talk to people, but just this past month I have had people coming to me asking how they can have a relationship with God. Once I talked to one person about how much my life has changed it has been so much easier to talk to other people. I just want everyone to feel how I feel and if I can just help one person I would be so happy! Even though I don't know all of the verses to give people, I have my own experience and sometimes that can be enough for people. I finally don't care what people think of me when I talk about God, you either accept me or you don't and you either listen or you don't. ๐
One more thing… Sometimes you don't think that people want to hear what you have to say but I can tell you that I was craving so badly for someone to notice me and talk to me and help me. Sometimes all it takes is one person. Where before I would avoid praying about witnessing now I beg God to use me. Kay you were a HUGE player on helping me to get where I am today. Thank you do much for all of your support. Just know that you helped change this girls life ๐