“But in your hearts, honor Christ the Lord as Holy; always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the Hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15-16a)
Years ago I was developing a relationship with a young man who came to my house regularly for pest control. We were standing in my driveway talking and for the first time he was beginning to open up to me about why he had no interest in Christ or attending church. As we were talking, another young man I’d recently met, joined the conversation. In an effort to impress me with his “spiritual maturity,” the second man began to ask my friend questions like: “Do you know you’re lost without Jesus? You need to repent and give your life to Christ right now before it’s eternally too late?” On and on he went until my friend whom I’d nurtured for months to lay the groundwork for a meaningful relationship, suddenly turned away and left. I never saw him again and he wouldn’t return my calls.
Was the man who was “witnessing” to my friend “wrong?” In that context, yes he was. While his words were “right,” his sensitivity to the Lord was absent and rather than drawing my friend TO Christ, he was pushed further away. Seeking to share the Good News, because it was given without apparent regard to my friend’s needs, and from selfish motives, became, for him, bad news.
I’m convinced that’s why a lot of people today are reluctant to come to church or have a meaningful conversation about who Jesus is and what He’s done for them. They’ve been badgered and beaten down by well-meaning people who are too often insensitive to the Lord and to the people with whom they’re speaking. Our willingness to share our faith must always be preceded by humble submission to the leadership of God’s Spirit.
Blessings, Ed 🙂
Walking With Jesus 
Good word Ed.
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