Faith conversations can be awkward, but it doesn't have to be that way! The gospel message is both incredibly exclusive and inclusive, all at the same time. Spiritual conversations about Jesus highlight this fact.
Jesus was clear when He said that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). That “whoever” includes people from any nation, tribe, political party, or background. In that sense, Christianity is very inclusive. It all comes down to belief when the Bible talks about faith.
But Jesus was also clear when He said that He is “the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). He’s the way, not just a way. He is the truth, not just any truth. He is the only way.
Even though people might believe all different kinds of things, Jesus is the exclusive truth. In that sense, Christianity is very exclusive. Conversations with faith, doubt, and emotions can feel intense sometimes because of this reality.
What does that mean for us when it comes to spiritual conversations? Well, it means we should talk about our faith with anyone we can. But, at some point in talking about our faith, we are going to have to share the exclusive truth about Jesus.
This can sometimes cause people to get tense or defensive. If this happens, we shouldn’t get ready for battle. Our goal isn’t to fight; it's to have faith conversations that bear fruit. Our goal is to have a meaningful dialogue where conversations about faith flourish. After every spiritual conversation, the other person should know they are loved by God and loved by us. We want to have faith talks in love and care for the person we’re talking to.
So, how do we do that? How do we engage in conversations, not confrontations, when it comes to our faith? Keep reading to learn how to navigate faith conversations with ease.
Here are three suggestions on how to have meaningful and peaceful faith conversations:
Start Conversations About Faith With Hospitality
Practicing hospitality is one of the simplest and most tangible ways we model the truth of the Gospel. The word “hospitality” comes from the combination of two words: “love” and “stranger.” Literally, then, hospitality is the love of strangers.
This is a powerful description of what the Gospel is. When we were strangers, God took us in. When we were without a home and family, God brought us into His. When we were without hope in the world, God adopted us as His children. In the ultimate act of hospitality, God provided a way to welcome us through the death of Jesus Christ. God is ultimately hospitable, so hospitality is a characteristic built into the spiritual DNA of those who have experienced this divine hospitality.
Start faith conversations and build relationships with the gift of hospitality. Invite them in. Show them you care. Spiritual conversations will naturally flourish in that environment.
Related Post: 5 Simple Ways to Share God's Love With Others
Start Conversations About Faith by Being Curious
When we try to talk about our faith, sometimes we treat the person we are talking to as a project. We don’t know anything about them, we haven’t asked them any questions, we haven’t demonstrated any real interest in them. All we are trying to do is say what we want to say.
Now, sharing the gospel is important. In fact, it’s the most important thing. But, if we want to have conversations and not confrontations about our faith, then we should also show a sense of curiosity about the person we are talking to.
Ask questions. Be interested. Remember what they say. Really hear them, view things from their perspective, and ask more questions.
When we seek to know people and not just communicate our message, we have already laid the groundwork for real conversation to happen.
Related Post: 7 Questions to Help You Share Your Faith
Bringing Up Spiritual Conversations with Friends
When it comes to bringing up spiritual conversations with friends, faith talks can feel like walking on eggshells. Our friends are our friends: we love them! We talk to them all the time, but conversations with faith and spirituality can feel hard to navigate.
Thankfully, the Bible talks about faith and how to share it with others.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 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. - 1 Peter 3:15
Bible verses that talk about faith and sharing our faith with others encourage us to be gentle, respectful, and honoring. As you feel led to have faith talks with your friends, let the Holy Spirit lead you! You can prepare for how to contribute to conversations of faith by reading your Bible, studying the Word, and diving into apologetics. That way, you are becoming more prepared to answer your friends when they’re curious about the hope that you have.
Start Faith Conversations by Finding Common Ground
There are a lot of barriers that divide people in our world. Faith conversations and spiritual conversations can mend that. Though we are separated by income level, backgrounds, and political ideas, there is still a lot we have in common with each other. And the truth is: we all need God!
There is more that unites us than separates us. We are all more alike than different. When we engage in spiritual conversations with faith and humility, we see that so clearly.
It could be something as common as sports, fishing, or cooking. Maybe you have similar goals or dreams for your life and family. Chances are, you can find something you have in common with everyone you talk to if you are willing to look for it. But, it takes time, effort, and curiosity.
Instead of immediately focusing on the differences between you and someone else, spend some time trying to discover what common ground you have. That common ground might be the launching point for a faith conversation. If we take these simple things into account, then we can build the kinds of relationships that help us have real conversations about Jesus and what he can do in their lives.
Related Post: How to Explain the Gospel Using Just One Verse
Conclusion
So, let's step out with hope. Hope that our conversations can make a difference. Hope that even amidst differing beliefs, we can find common ground and understanding. Hope that by practicing hospitality, speaking with gentleness and respect, and focusing on what unites us, we can share the love of Jesus in a real way. Always remember the heart of it all: connection. Faith conversations aren't about winning debates; they're about building bridges. When we extend hospitality and discover common ground, we create space for genuine dialogue. It's about showing the love of Jesus through our actions and words, and trusting that He will work in the hearts of those we talk to. The world has enough arguments. Let’s start some spiritual conversations. Go connect with others, share your story, and see what God does this week!
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