Faith?

Jesus initiated a conversation with a woman by asking her for a drink of water in John 4.   Then, he skillfully shifted that conversation from a thirst for water to that woman’s inner thirst.   Step by step Jesus related perfectly timed truth in a friendly way.  Notice in John 4:18 that the turning point in the conversation occurred when the woman suddenly realized that  Jesus knew her, understood her problem, and still cared.   If Jesus hadn’t skillfully approached the subject, he would have probably failed in witnessing like many of us do today.  What can we learn from this? Read John Chapter 4 and ask how did Jesus witness, and how do I need to do it differently? 1. He started a conversation by asking a question. 2. He overlooked differences. 3. He looked for a way to connect. 4. He related spiritual truths in a way that could be easily understood. 5. He refused to be judgmental. 6. He avoided argument. 7. He stayed on topic. 8. He remembered

The reason so many Christians struggle to share their faith is the same reason they struggle to initiate any contact with strangers. Most Christians don’t know how to initiate and create productive relationships with other people.  Most churches drop the ball when they just assume that people know how to do this, but they don’t.  Churches need train believers how to create healthy relationships... 1). To really love other people (Leviticus 19:18). 2). To be kind and respectful to others (Ephesians 4:32). 3). To carefully choose their words (Colossians 4:6). 4). To be listener first, speaker second (James 1:19) 5). To practice love with different viewpoints (Galatians 5:22-23). 6). To be guided by the Holy Spirit in relationships (Galatians 5:16). If people are not practicing these skills with each other, how are they influencing the world?