Bring people to the Lord!
I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. (1 Corinthians 9: 22b-23)
Have you noticed in your life that the anticipation of an event is often much worse than the event itself?
Do you remember when you first learned how to ride a bicycle? You did not want to tip over. With patience, practice, and “training wheels,” one day, you could suddenly ride. You achieved balance. Your fear to ride your bike disappeared.
In school in speech class, you prepared your talk, and you practiced diligently. But you still fretted and worried for days before the big speech. You survived. And the speech went well.
You have an interview for a new job coming up, and you worry you will say the wrong thing. You are afraid that the job you are seeking will go to someone else. You go into the interview ready to share your strengths and your weaknesses. You are offered the job.
I think there are times when we are all afraid to share the gospel. We worry about what responses we may hear. We are afraid that someone will become angry. Paul tells us that there is no need to be afraid. “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”
Our love and faith in Jesus will move us to share the gospel with joyful enthusiasm. Trusting in the forgiveness of sins that Jesus has given us will encourage us to leave our fears behind. We will reach out with the Word. People will come to know the love of Jesus, and many will be saved.
Prayer: Dear Lord God, so often we are afraid. Our sinful nature makes us doubt. We fear that we might say the wrong thing. But you give us courage like Paul had. We can become all things to all people so that some will come to the Lord, and they will be saved. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.