Do you earnestly seek to see people you care about? Do you long to strengthen their faith? Are you continually praying for them? Do you plan to visit with them and provide what they need to hear to increase their faith? Would you want someone to do that for you?
It can be challenging to speak to others about our faith. Yet, when we know people whose faith has slipped a little, it can be easier to speak to them. We know they believe in God. We know they are struggling. The challenge is determining what they need to hear in their current situation.
Notice what the Apostle Paul tells the church in Thessalonica. He earnestly wants to see them in person. He wants to restore their faith. He wants to build them up. How does he prepare for this task? He prays day and night. He prays continually. The people in Thessalonica are continually on his mind.
When we care about others, especially those whose faith is lacking, they should be on our mind continually. We should pray for them. We should pray that God guide us in what to say to help build up their faith. We should listen for the Holy Spirit to speak to us. We should follow God’s lead when encouraging them.
On the other hand, we should simply pound them over the head with facts or telling them what they should do. They will be much more willing to listen if we first show we care for them. We should first listen to their story. Ask what is going on in their lives. Praying before our conversation with them is wise. Ask God to guide you throughout the conversation. When we show we care, we are more likely to get the other person to listen.I pray we all seek to help others increase their faith.
I pray we show them we care about them. I pray each one of us spend time in prayer and listen for the Holy Spirit to guide us. Seek to help others. Seek to increase their faith. Show you care about them. Spend time in prayer. Listen for the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.
Marty Pressey 