I’ve never been the type of person to tap a stranger on the shoulder, hand him a tract, and ask him if he’d like to receive Jesus as his personal Savior. This approach works for some more gregarious folks, but I’ve never been one to comfortably initiate a conversation about Christ with someone I don’t know. Because we serve a God who is merciful toward us in our shortcomings, he has provided ways to share his love with others with or without making the first move.
Three months ago I got a job at a home improvement store to help save money for college. Being my first job at a well established company with well over 200 employees in our store alone, I quickly became overwhelmed. I asked God to use me for his perfect will and to encourage me daily through other people. At work I quickly learned that long shifts with spurts of down time called for some creativity on my part to use my time wisely; I decided that between customers I would memorize encouraging Scripture. I kept an index card with 1 Peter 1:6-9 just under my register’s computer screen. Reading the verse over and over in a catchy rhythm, I found myself able to repeat the verse without the index card within two or three weeks.
During this time, God stretched my myopic mindset. I was memorizing Scripture to benefit and bless myself, but He used it to encourage both customers and co-workers. I was surprised by peoples’ curiosity and willingness to talk about spiritual matters. Many people would ask why I was memorizing the verses, what church I went to, and some would even share what their favorite verses were. One day, as I was preparing to store my belongings in my locker at work, I saw the index card with the verse on it and silently debated whether or not I should bring it up to the register. I don’t know what made me hesitate, but I reluctantly resolved to bring it with me. When my second or third customer of the day saw the verses, she pointed to them, looked up at me, and said quietly, "That’s really going to bless someone today." You can probably imagine the joy I felt from her confirmation.
It doesn’t take a professional to share the gospel with others. It doesn’t take eloquent words or a big stage production. It takes a conscious effort to show someone that they matter in life, even if you just met them. We sense and respond warmly to genuine people; Fill your spirit with His spirit, and you will genuinely care for the well being of others.
What are some ways you witness to people? What verses would you put on your index card to memorize and encourage?
Peace, love, and hugs,
DB
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