Sharing The Truth In Love

 

TALKING TO GOD

Ask God to give you a loving attitude toward people who are different from you and for the opportunities to share His love with them.

DIVING IN

Place a dab of toothpaste on your lips. Ask your family members to suggest how they would tell you that you had toothpaste on your lips if you were a famous actor. Have someone else put on the toothpaste as well and ask the family to address him or her as if that person were your pastor. Continue changing roles to tell a good friend, a school bully, a stranger and a grouchy teacher about the toothpaste on their faces.

GOING DEEPER

Just as it might be hard or awkward to tell a famous person or a stranger that they have toothpaste on their lips, so sharing God’s truth can feel difficult too. But authentic, biblical tolerance allows you to treat others well, even when you have something to share that they may not want to hear. Think about the way you role-played talking to someone you respected, such as a pastor or a famous person. You were probably careful to show respect and kindness as you shared the truth. By treating all people, including those who are different from you, with the same kindness and respect, you can more effectively share the Gospel.

TALKING TO EACH OTHER

• Is it difficult for you to share God’s truth with non-believers? Why?
• How could you show God’s love to a friend who doesn’t believe in Jesus?
• What kind words could you use with someone whose opinion  of God is different from yours?