How can we help others who are "unreceptive" to God's message? Scripture Focus “And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26 What the Passage Shows Us • We cannot argue people into the kingdom. • Kindness, patience, and gentle correction are the God-ordained means. • Real heart change is God’s work—He “will grant…repentance.” • The unreceptive person is not merely disinterested; he or she is caught “in the snare of the devil,” so our ministry is spiritual warfare. Posture of the Messenger • Kind to everyone—even those who mock or dismiss. • Able to teach—clear, accurate presentation of truth. • Forbearing—willing to endure pushback without irritation. • Gentle in correction—tone matters as much as content. Practical Steps for Engaging an Unreceptive Friend 1. Pray daily for God to open the heart (Acts 16:14). 2. Build trust through consistent kindness (Proverbs 3:3-4). 3. Speak truth naturally and clearly; avoid needless jargon (Colossians 4:5-6). 4. When objections arise, respond with calm, reasoned answers (1 Peter 3:15). 5. Share Scripture itself—faith comes by hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). 6. Model the gospel in actions (Matthew 5:16); credibility strengthens the message. 7. Keep the conversation going; patience may span years (Galatians 6:9). What We Leave to God • Conviction of sin (John 16:8). • The gift of repentance and faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Liberation from spiritual blindness (2 Corinthians 4:4-6). Signs We Are Helping, Even If They Remain Unreceptive • Tone of dialogue grows less hostile. • They begin asking sincere questions. • They accept a Bible or Christian resource. • They allow prayer on their behalf. Encouragement to Stay the Course • God’s word “will not return void” (Isaiah 55:11). • Some sow, others water, but God gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). • Our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). |
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