Pastor Bsett's E-Devotion

Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences.  (2 Corinthians 5:11 NRSV)

Yesterday, I asked for everyone in the congregation to think of one person in their life that they know who does not know Jesus as Lord and Savior.  I asked for us to be in prayer and to reach out to that person this week to see where they are in their life and look for an opening to share your relationship with Jesus with the intention of offering Jesus to come into their life so they may be saved.  As servants of the Most High God, this is our duty and obligation.  This is our ministry.  This text by Paul suggest that because we as Christians should understand that in fear of the LORD, we should try to persuade others.   The definition of persuade is to prevail on (a person) to do something, as by advising or urging; to induce to believe by appealing to reason or understanding; to convince (Dictionary.com).  We should try to persuade others.  When was the last time you've done this?  We all have brothers, sisters, parents, spouses, neighbors, co-workers, childhood friends, etc., that we still talk to who do not know Jesus.  Have we made efforts to persuade them?  As we discuss various things with the people we engage with every day, our attempts should be to persuade them to be reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:20). Let us try to do this today.

Word of caution.  It's difficult to persuade others to know Christ if our lives are not completely sold out to Christ.  Part of our strategy to persuade others is to have a faithful, consistent and growing relationship with Christ that is an example to others.

Final note, read John 4 for insight and reflection on persuading others.

Heavenly Father, we rejoice in this day you have given to us.  You are worthy of our praise!  We love you today!  We thank you for new mercies you have provided for us.  Father, what would you have us do today?  Show us how we can persuade others to be reconciled to you!  We pray for our friend/family member who does not know you.  Give us an opportunity this week to try to persuade them to know you.   We thank you for being our Father!  In Jesus name, Amen.