03. Who Is on the Other Side of Your Silence?
Article 03
Who Is on the Other Side of Your Silence?
Article 03
Someone you know may be willing to talk about Jesus. But they have no idea you are willing to listen.
You talk about the weather. The grandchildren. The price of groceries.
You ask about their weekend.
Yet the conversation that could matter most keeps getting postponed.
You think, I don’t want to make things awkward.
Or, I wouldn’t know what to say.
Or perhaps, Someone else would do a better job.
Meanwhile, someone you care about is carrying questions, grief, guilt, or fear, and you have never asked whether they would like to talk.
Who is on the other side of your silence?
Think about the woman Jesus met at the well in John 4.
She came for water. During their conversation, Jesus spoke into the deepest places of her life. He knew her history, yet continued speaking with her and offered her living water.
She left her water jar, went into town, and said:
“Come, see a man who told me everything that I did. Can this be the Christ?”
John 4:29 WEB
Consider how simple that invitation was.
She asked a question. She invited people to come and see.
She had just encountered Jesus, and she wanted others to meet Him too.
John tells us that many Samaritans from that town believed in Jesus because of her testimony. Others came, heard Him themselves, and believed.
One woman’s willingness to speak opened a door for a whole community to encounter Jesus.
What conversation might your words begin?
You Can Begin With a Question
You do not have to force a spiritual conversation. You can show genuine interest in someone and make room for an honest answer.
Try asking:
“Is there something happening in your life that I could pray about?”
Then listen.
If they share a struggle, you might ask, “Would you be comfortable if I prayed for you right now?”
Another time, you could say:
“Something I read about Jesus has been helping me. Could I share it with you?”
Or:
“Would you be interested in reading a story about Jesus together and talking about what we discover?”
Give them freedom to respond. Listen to their questions. If you do not know an answer, say so. You can explore the Scriptures together.
A conversation can begin with a few sincere words.
Think Beyond the First Conversation
Picture someone accepting your invitation.
You read a story about Jesus together. They ask questions. You listen and discover together.
Later, they say, “My wife would enjoy this.”
Or, “Could I invite my friend?”
You cannot predict where that will lead. But you can make the first invitation.
The woman at the well could not make her neighbors believe. She could invite them to meet Jesus.
You can do that too.
Your Step Today
Think of one person with whom you have been hesitant to talk about Jesus.
Write down their name.
Pray for them. Ask God to help you love them, listen well, and speak with courage.
Then take a practical step today: call them, send a personal message, or arrange a time to get together.
You might begin:
“You’ve been on my mind. How are you really doing?”
Be willing to stay long enough to hear the answer.
Whose name came to mind as you read this, and what will you do today?
Want to go further?
Learn practical ways to share your faith, make disciples, and help others do the same through my Zúme teaching series.
There are many we coach that could use encouragement in small ways to accomplish great things. Your gift would be tax deductible and overseen by Northside Christian Church, our sending church.
Ordinary People. Extraordinary Movements.
Terry Ruff
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