Christian love, often referred to as Agape love, is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. It’s a transformative force that can change hearts, mend relationships, and bring hope to the world. This article delves into the nature of Christian love, exploring its power to enchant and inspire, and provides practical guidance on sharing this love with others. We’ll explore how to communicate effectively, live authentically, and pray fervently for those who haven’t yet experienced the joy of God’s love.
Alt: Pastor David Jeremiah sharing insights on Christian communication and evangelism.
The Transformative Power of Enchantment
Filmmaker Karen Muller’s experience in the Philippines illustrates the power of enchantment. When confronted by armed interrogators, her unexpected hospitality disarmed them. Offering coffee and conversation transformed a hostile situation into one of connection. This “enchantment,” as Guy Kawasaki calls it, mirrors the essence of Christian evangelism: winning people over with the good news of Jesus Christ.
Sharing the Joy of Reconciliation
The New Testament showcases a pattern of encountering Jesus, experiencing reconciliation with God, and sharing the resulting joy, often through communal meals. This infectious gladness stems from a transformed relationship with God and fuels the desire to share this experience with others. Christ’s love, a gift of eternal life, becomes a driving force in our lives, compelling us to share this incredible news.
The Book of Colossians: A Guide to Enchantment
The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians embodies this spirit of enchantment. He aims to ignite their passion for Jesus, offering an antidote to the distractions of the world. In Colossians 4:2-6, Paul provides practical advice on sharing the gospel with those outside the church. He outlines how to pray for the unsaved and how to engage with them effectively.
Praying for the Unsaved: Personal and Purposeful
Paul encourages consistent, vigilant prayer for unbelieving friends and family. This isn’t about a performative “prayer voice” but a dedicated, heartfelt conversation with God. Ephesians 6:18 and Luke 18:1 underscore the importance of persistent prayer. Being vigilant means staying attuned to the lives of those we pray for, recognizing their struggles and seeking opportunities to offer support and share our faith.
Alt: Praying for loved ones to experience the grace of Christian love.
Paul also requests prayer for himself, specifically for open doors to share the gospel. This emphasizes the importance of divine opportunities and our readiness to act when they arise. God’s opening doors doesn’t mean passive observation; it calls for courageous action, stepping through those doorways of opportunity to share the message of Christ.
Living Authentically: A Powerful Testimony
Alongside prayer, Paul emphasizes the importance of authentic living. “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time” (Colossians 4:5). Our daily conduct should reflect our faith, avoiding actions that might discredit our verbal testimony. Integrity is crucial; our lives should back up our words. Richard Halverson, the late chaplain of the United States Senate, wisely said, “Your right to speak is guaranteed, but you must earn the right to be listened to.”
Alt: Authentic Christian living as a testament to faith and love.
Speaking with Grace and Wisdom
Finally, Paul addresses how we communicate the gospel: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6). Graceful communication, seasoned with wisdom and joy, can create a thirst for what we have in Christ. This approach, far from being dull or sanctimonious, reflects the vibrant life found in Jesus.
Be Prepared, Be Respectful
1 Peter 3:15 echoes this sentiment: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Being prepared doesn’t mean having a canned response but rather a heart filled with the transformative power of Christ and a willingness to share it authentically.
Sharing the Uncontainable Gift
The story of Fritz Kreisler, the renowned violinist, provides a beautiful analogy. The collector, moved by Kreisler’s performance, realized he couldn’t keep the exquisite violin to himself. Similarly, the gift of Christ’s love is too precious to contain. We are called to share it with the world, letting others hear and see its transformative power.
Conclusion: Embracing the Call to Share
Christian love, in its purest form, is an enchanting force. It transforms lives, inspires hope, and compels us to share its message. Through prayer, authentic living, and gracious communication, we can effectively share the good news of Jesus Christ, inviting others to experience the joy of reconciliation and the transformative power of God’s love. Like the collector who couldn’t keep the beautiful music to himself, let us share the beautiful melody of God’s love with the world.
