1 Corinthians 6: 16-23 (NLT)
Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News! If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. That’s why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News.
Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
This was the New Testament lesson at church a few weeks back, and I loved the message. The World Race isn’t something anyone should do for bragging rights of any sort. Nor is any other mission work, foreign or domestic, for that matter! The opportunity to share the gospel should be enough of a reward in and of itself.
As for the second part, if you are talking to people about any topic, they are not going to listen if you act as though you are on a pedestal above them. People like to be understood. Even if you are not coming from exactly the same place, that is where empathy comes into play. Put yourself in their shoes, try to at least imagine things from their point of view. It doesn’t matter if you are halfway across the world in a different country, or in your hometown interacting with coworkers and friends you’ve known for years.
It can be difficult, but it can be a great learning experience-not only letting you learn about them, but about yourself as well! The more you know about the people you are interacting with, the better equipped you will be to share the gospel with and serve them.
Thanks for reading, and feel free to share! I would also like to ask you to prayerfully consider partnering with me to share the gospel with the nations. I cannot do it on my own. Anything helps, whether it is $10, $100, or $1000. See the entry titled “My Support Letter” for more details. There are links on the side to donate (“Support Me!”) as well as subscribe to blog updates!
