Lighting Up Our City Video 1: Relational EvangelismSample

It was one of the darkest days of my life when I stopped near our college cafeteria and called the only friend I had left. He answered. He did that often in my high school and college years. When I think of the people who loved me when I was unlovable, he’s one of those people. We first met over thirty years ago and, while we aren’t as close as we once were, I’d be there in a heartbeat if he needed me, and I know he’d do the same for me.

He's familiar with the fact that I love Jesus. He’s aware that I want him to love Jesus and to let Jesus love him. Know what? It’s been over thirty years, and he has yet to take that step. I pray for him. I love him. I listen to him when he needs me.

I don’t give up. I’ll never give up.

I’m going to say something that might seem controversial. On the rare times we get together, I don’t always talk about Jesus. Sometimes God opens a door in the conversation, so I step through and speak up. Sometimes God lets me know that it’s simply a time to catch up or to listen. As long as I’m following God’s lead, both of those things are okay.

Relational evangelism is just that… relationship. It’s being with people where they are and loving them with God’s love. Although it seems counterintuitive, it’s not constantly pulling out a Bible and presenting the Gospel. Sometimes, it’s definitely that way. Sometimes, it’s step by step and moment by moment as God moves in His time.

That’s okay. We don’t get frustrated. We don’t try to rush things. God knows when someone is ready to hear more about Him, and He sets the pace. We simply follow Him and, when He opens the door, we step through and speak. Until then, we love… and we pray.

Is there someone in your life that needs you to simply love them? How can you do that today?

By Jodie Bailey