Short Conversations About God

As we think of bringing the gospel to others, it is good to keep this in mind:
nonbelievers might not feel comfortable talking about God.

I think we should respect that.

It doesn’t mean we stay silent. But we should consider their feelings. And try to be effective, try to be most helpful in their journey to God.

Isaiah 40 says, “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God…and the glory of the Lord will be revealed.”

Sometimes, I simply want to prepare a highway between that person and God. I want to point them, help them, serve them in any way I can, to help them know God.

It helps to see things from their viewpoint.

Many will not feel comfortable telling you their thoughts, questions, objections, and hopes about God. They might feel a little guarded, defensive because they are embarrassed they don’t know much about the Bible or religious matters.

If pressed, they might take a firm stand, try to look smart and prove their point. But they’re not being entirely honest. They just don’t want to look foolish…or be fooled into believing something they haven’t had time to think about.

I remember when I was an atheist, I would debate my friend. I would strongly defend my views. And the entire time, I was secretly hoping she could prove me wrong. I wanted her to be right about God.

How can we help nonbelievers who might not want a long discussion about God?

I think encouraging them to go to EveryStudent.com is a great way to serve them. When they’re alone, their defenses come down. They can be honest. They can get answers to their questions. Catch the message in full, without back and forth debate. And they can consider what it says about God.

There is quiet and time for God to speak to them.

The person feels respected, helped by this suggestion. And they almost always reply with a sincere, “Thank you very much.”

You can tell people, “I’m connected to a great website that I think you’ll really enjoy. May I write it down for you? (or text it to you?)”

Give it a try. See how it goes.