Pastor Dave Ferguson shares a simple acronym that describes for us a practical way to B.L.E.S.S. our neighbors.
- B – Begin with prayer
- L – Listen
- E – Eat together
- S – Serve
- S – Share stories
I have spoke about “Begin with Prayer,Listen, Eat Together, and Serve.” Today, I want to address the fifth and final step which is to share story.
St. Francis of Assisi is often credited with saying: “Preach the gospel. If necessary, use words.” The implication is that the best way to share the love of God is through acts of kindness. It is that we lead with what we practice rather than what we preach.
But Romans 10 reminds us:
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14, ESV)
There comes a time when others need us to tell why we do what we do. There comes a time when others need to know that there is a wonderful God who loves them dearly. And God uses our words to help them connect the dots.
You cannot argue or debate someone into heaven. But what they cannot debate is your story. You can share your story of how you have experienced God’s love in your life. You can share the difference he has made for you. You can share how the Savior has changed your life. There are times when the most loving thing you can do is to tell the story.
Do you know your story? Can you articulate your relationship with God? If not, take some time and write down some of the ways that you have seen God at work in you and through you. Then share it with someone else.
As I leave you today, I am reminded of the hymn “I Love to Tell the Story.” Take a few moments to reflect on these lyrics.
I love to tell the story, of unseen things above, of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love. I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true; it satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.
I love to tell the story, ’twill be my theme in glory, to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.
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