Don’t Lose Your Patience
by mrsmas at www.sxc.hu
There are many methods for evangelism. There are all kinds of skills, techniques, and efforts used by Christians to convert others.
But there is one skill or discipline that I have learned over my short 15 years of ministry that I don’t think we emphasize enough in the church. It is the skill of patience in evangelism. Paul commands us to preach the word with “complete patience” (2 Tim. 4:2). This is the secret weapon in the arsenal of the long-term evangelist. It is a principle that should be kept in mind by every Christian. Closely connected with this principle is perseverance in prayer (Eph. 6:18). Keep praying and beseeching the Lord to help providentially (Col. 4:2, Luke 18:1-8).
Patience is key because people . . .
- need time to accept and understand the gospel of Christ.
- want to witness the church’s behavior and faith.
- often need to experience certain events in life to help open their heart to the Lord.
- need to get connected with other brethren who can be good influences upon them as well.
- may have to work through layers of bitterness, guilt, resentment, prejudice, or stubbornness.
- may need years to see the power of love and their need for forgiveness.
I am not saying that we should not encourage folks, and even beg people, to respond to the gospel today, because tomorrow may be too late; that is certainly the case (2 Cor. 5 – 6:2). But I am saying: Don’t give up on people. Keep working with them. Keep loving them and walking with them through life showing them that Jesus is the answer.
Put briefly: Be patient. We Christians often think that we are going to share the gospel with someone and give them an opportunity to respond. If they don’t, then we will move on to someone else. You may need to move on to someone else in your time allotted for personal Bible study, but don’t give up on the person. This goes for parents who fret over the unfaithfulness of a child. Be patient, keep working, loving, and praying. This goes for a spouse who longs for their partner in life to become their partner for the journey to heaven. Keep living that example. Keep praying. Be patient. Don’t compromise your values or your desire, but be patient with your spouse.
I am most thankful and encouraged as an evangelist when patience and constant ministry over years by God’s people pays off in a soul responding to the gospel.
Consider how many people you know that have come to Christ because people patiently worked with them. Who is the lost person in your circle of influence that you need to reinvest in their soul with patience praying and working for their salvation?
