CoJourners: Learning to Share Your FaithSample

Common Ground

As you enter into the spiritual journey of others, you will encounter obstacles. Don’t be surprised. Paul did as well. When Paul encountered a group of philosophers in Athens who challenged and disputed him, he didn’t give up (Acts 17:18). Rather, he looked for common ground. It may not have been obvious at first in this “city full of idols” (17:16). But he could identify with their religious inclinations (17:22) and their awareness that there was more than they knew (17:23). He identified their “unknown God” who he then proclaimed to them as the one true Creator who raised Jesus from the dead. The result— some sneered, others listened and a few became followers (17:32-34). The responses that Paul received are common to what we see today.

Effective bridge builders look for common ground in the midst of differences of outlook and belief. They don’t compromise their own beliefs. Rather, they use the common ground as a starting place to build toward Jesus.

Thought: There is always common ground if we will take time to look.

Take a Step: The next time you are in a discussion with someone who believes differently, look for the common ground. Start with what you agree on and build to Jesus.