“Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.’” (John 4:13 NLT)
Water is one of life’s essential elements. There are variables, but estimates give us 2-5 days to survive without liquids. The irony is, there are thousands of people all over the world who are well hydrated but are dying of “thirst” every day without Jesus.
Where I live it gets very hot in the Summer, so when someone comes to our house to work outside, usually they will bring water with them, but I always offer. We do things like that as a courtesy, it’s a thoughtful gesture that may make them more open to an invitation to church or to speak with me about Jesus.
Corky Calhoun wrote: “We live in a world of dehydrated people who would rather die of thirst than fully humble themselves, repent of their sin and drink from the well of living water, Jesus Christ.” In light of the number of people who are unhappy it seems many would be open to having a conversation about the Lord Jesus, but too often they don’t make that connection. That’s why we have to make it for them by living contagious lives; lives that are living examples of what it means to be a Jesus follower.
Every day as I walk the streets of my neighborhood, I encounter people who are dying inside. Their faces tell the story of loneliness, heartache, and grief resulting from the trials of life. They’re hungry for life, but they’re searching in all the wrong places. How can we make a difference for them? How can we effectively convey the message that we have an answer for their “thirst?”
Two things I’ve learned about ministry to neighbors: 1. It takes love. If you don’t love your neighbors, you’ll never reach them for the Lord. Love involves thoughtfulness and kindness. When we care about someone, we need to let them know. My love “language,” at least for my neighbors, is prayer.
I met a new neighbor on my walk this morning whose mom is struggling physically. As I was leaving our brief conversation, I let him know I would be praying for his mom. Years ago, someone told me: “If you want someone to love you, love what they love.” It was obvious that this man loved his mom, so, I want to do something loving for his mom, so I pray for her (and for him, of course), not necessarily only that he would love me, but ultimately that he would learn to love Jesus.
There are many other ways to express love to my neighbors. By taking them out for a meal, helping them with a project, expressing interest in their family, by encouraging them to participate in our neighborhood BBQ’s or potlucks, and by inviting them to church, especially at Easter and Christmas.
But secondly, it takes persistence. Neighborhood ministry isn’t a “one and done” process. We moved into our current neighborhood a little over three years ago, and on many levels, I’m just now beginning to see some fruit. A young man I’ve taken out several times for breakfast or lunch has finally agreed to come to church with me for an Easter service. Perhaps he’s finally getting thirsty.
Every Easter and Christmas, among other times whenever the Lord prompts me, I pass out notes and attach an invitation card from my church. The key for me is to not allow the enemy to discourage me. I didn’t respond the first time someone invited me to church, but they were persistent and now it’s been more than six decades since I gave my life to the Savior.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 