Have you ever shared something you thought would generate a huge response and the message fell completely flat?

It is often not the news itself that is the problem but how it is delivered or absorbed by the audience.

The desire to share the Gospel is good and reflects a heart for other people. However, how you do that is not the same for every person you meet. Some have less than positive personal experiences with church, religion or faith that influence how they will hear your message.  Others have no exposure or understanding of God, Jesus, or the Bible.

Different cultures around the world operate on different core emotions. Justice, guilt, and punishment can frame one person’s view. Another may have shame and fear clouding the lens they hear the Good News through. Using the wrong approach can leave someone feeling more confused and broken.

How we meet each person will affect their openness, interest, and desire for what we want to share.

Digital evangelism invites people to come with questions and have a conversation. Some Responders are so excited about the chance to share what they know, and how Jesus has saved them, that they forget the other person may have their own life issues or agenda of things they wish to discuss.  Others are so focused on being a good listener that they forget to transition the conversation and ask where Jesus fits in this person’s life.

Both examples are filled with good intentions, but each misses the need to balance good listening with the ultimate message of hope.  Every conversation is a God-ordained opportunity to share how Jesus changes everything. We must allow the Holy Spirit to guide each interaction, so we strike the right blend of listening, offering grace, and sharing God’s truth.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to lead each of your conversations and supply the right combination of listening and God’s love so each person receives it in the context that will move their heart and change their life.