it's Nita.

I recently (as in yesterday evening) read an article from Erik Fish titled “Jesus and LGBTQ+ Conversations”. Erik has always had insightful posts and teachings and so I wanted to continue to educate myself on this subject matter. He has a way of communicating the most contentious topics in the faith in a true and compassionate way. This man knows discipleship! Anywho…

From what I read in Erik’s article, I was struck by one particular thing: arguing. It again made me consider the merit of trying to argue someone into belief or adherence to a Christian lifestyle.

Here are some of the quotes that stood out to me from Erik’s article…

“We cannot argue someone into following Christ by engaging in debates and conversations that need to happen over time, in the context of a loving, ongoing relationship…”

“Does Jesus require us to have perfect theology and correct all our sinful behavior BEFORE receiving Jesus or does he change us AFTER we receive Jesus? If each of us was required to have everything figured out and clean up our lifestyle in order to become worthy of receiving Jesus, then the cross of Jesus was for nothing – and none of us could ever be saved.”

“…there is little point to being lured down “rabbit trails” of argument and rationalizing with pre-believers that detour away from the simplicity and beauty and love and truth of JESUS. And never forget when conversing with pre-believers, it is “the kindness of God [that] leads you to repentance.” (Romans 2:4) If you’re not kind, you cannot join God in his effort to bring others to repentance. (changing how one thinks that results in a change of life.)”

This is not to negate the importance of getting people to believe sound theology but what I got from his article is that drawing others into a relationship with Christ starts with the attitude of your heart and an intention to love like Jesus. Ultimately, the strength of The Good News is rooted in God’s goodness and not our ability to argue someone into being a believer.

I know this from my own experience in recommitting my life to Christ. All the logic in the world does nothing unless you’ve have an opportunity to experience Jesus for yourself. Those real, personal encounters (like the woman at the well, Paul on the road to Damacus, me at my dining room table) change everything. Encountering the love of Jesus through a believer changes everything. Drawn not dragged 😌

P.S. I’m not sure why I keep encountering messages like this/why God keeps putting the topic of drawing people and not arguing with people in my path… 😅 but I’ll keep pressing until I get understanding. I’m sure I’ll have to apply this wisdom in the near future. 👀

Here are some questions to consider:

What comes to mind when you think about Jesus and LGBTQ+ conversations?

How do you approach evangelism and sharing The Good News?

What is God challenging you to learn in your own spiritual walk?

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His Best Always,

Nita