What do I say when…?
At the Vision Evening on Wednesday, we were discussing how we might do better at reaching various groups with the good news of Jesus: families, students and the rest of the parish. It was pointed out that each of us could do with being more natural as witnesses to Jesus – and who could argue with that? But how do we introduce Jesus into conversations? I have been thinking about that a little this week. The idea is to say something relevant and thought-provoking which may lead to speaking directly of Jesus.
Many people are rightly appalled by the beheadings of two US journalists, and it’s been much talked about. And there are frequently similar news stories of genuinely and obviously wrong things happening. What can we say when these things come up in conversation, which they often will? One of the best things we can say is something like this: “I’m glad there’ll be a day of judgement when God will sort it all out.”
Another conversation also got me thinking. A Christian friend of mine was describing how his neighbours were complaining about gypsies moving into the area. It’s not hard to imagine being in a similar conversation. We could try responding along these lines: “I’m reminded that God loves them as much as he loves us.” I don’t know where such responses will lead, but it’s worth thinking about what we could say … and giving it a go! After all, what’s the worst that could happen?