I recently heard evangelist Ed Silvosa say something insightful and yet simple. He remarked that if we want to get favor with unsaved people, do them a favor!
Jesus also said it, "Whatever you would like men to do to you, do also the same to them" (Matthew 7:12). And again, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31).
The first thing we should do is pray. Pray that God will show us how to love others without expecting anything in return.
The next thing we should do is to find a way toreach out to unsaved people with a favor. Here's some ideas:
- Go out of your way to ask questions about their family
- Look for unexpected ways to bless them
- Offer authentic compliments
- Show neighborly hospitality
- Take them out to eat
Recently a family friend came up to me, looked me in the eye, and said something that both impressed and blessed me. "You have a marvelous son,"she said. Then she went on to give specific examples of the character traits she saw in my son. It made my day! But I was also reminded of the tremendous power of thoughtful words. Later as I told my wife of this incident, (since it's her son, too!) I said that we should try harder to make our words an unexpected, but true, gift of love.
Can I encourage us to ask people about themselves before we talk about ourselves?
Let the first nine words from our mouths bring life."It's so good to see you," or "I've been hoping I could see you again to tell you how much I appreciate you," or "It's always a joy to run into you," or "You're looking younger every time I see you." Well, don't stretch the truth too much, but you get the point. The Bible tells us that 'faith without works is dead.' Let's model a living faith by doing unexpected favors for people.
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
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