Reaching Out to Others

“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” Colossians 4:5-6

If you have ever moved into a new community, enrolled in a new school, or started a new job, you know what it is like to be considered “an outsider.” The process of acceptance can be long and strenuous, but the individual who extends a warm hand and heart can certainly smooth the transition.

The Bible describes all persons who have yet to acknowledge Christ as Savior as “outsiders.” They stand outside the family of God. Although their entrance into God’s family can be secured only through the work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration, the believer’s witness can be a compelling influence. More than any other single factor, it is demonstrated love that attracts the unbeliever to consider his need for a relationship with Jesus Christ.

We cannot judge the unbeliever. We cannot act in a superior or a condescending manner - neither should we treat him with indifference. A kind word, a helpful hand, a spirit of service to the unbeliever is a potent fragrance of the presence of Christ in our lives. Consistently applied, these acts of kindness and love can be mightily used by God to bring the non-Christian into the family of God.

Love your neighbor as yourself, and your neighbor may one day be your brother or sister in Christ.

The Scriptures are the lyrics; love is the melody.