And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6

I get along with basically anyone. Basically. But one kind of person I can’t stand is the arrogant kind of person who starts talking about their life to you like you are familiar with every person, event and detail that has ever happened to them. I think you know the kind I mean, and I am kind to them, I don’t treat them badly. That doesn’t make them fun to be around.

See how great a love the Father has given us, that we would be called children of God; and in fact we are. For this reason the world does not know us: because it did not know Him.

1 John 3:1

I wonder if that’s how we sometimes sound to non-believers. If we assume that they know what we are talking about, we probably come across as self-important. If we assume that Christian beliefs are common knowledge and that they matter to everyone equally, we might come across as just as oblivious and arrogant as someone dropping names in conversation.

Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

Acts 8:30-31

The much better thing, I think, would be to let a person get to know you. If they can see the love you show to them and the attention and care you share, the love of God will be obvious in you and His word will be easier to share. Proper introductions open the door but good impressions make for lasting relationships.

Ethan Kirl

Originally Published June 16, 2021