I recently read an article by Gary Younghans titled “Conversation, Not Conversion.”*   He made a very good point about our role in bringing others to Christ.

Many Christians are hesitant to express their faith, fearing that the other person will strongly disagree.  Arguing the point will get us nowhere, in fact once we’re arguing both parties have stopped listening.  Better yet to say, well, this is what I believe.  Then really listen to the reply.  Respect their viewpoint. 

What role do we play?   Mr. Younghans will claim, “You and I are responsible for conversation, not conversion.  Our calling is to listen respectfully and to speak the truth in love.”  Just because the other person doesn’t immediately jump to agree doesn’t mean we have failed.  We have planted the seed. 

Our responsibility is the conversation.  The Holy Spirit will take care of the conversion.  I think that makes our work sound much less foreboding.   We can do our part, but it is our God with his unconditional love that can change hearts.

Then while you’re having that “conversation,”  remember God loves YOU unconditionally.

Judy

*Conversation, Not Conversion, by Gary Younghans, Clinical Director of Cross Connections in Fort Wayne, article printed in The Fort Wayne Lutheran Newspaper, September 2022.