Dear Friends,
Last weekend, I had a conversation with a person who told me they believed in Jesus but that the Bible was wrong about his teaching. According to a book this person had read, Jesus didn't didn't accomplish the forgiveness of sins on the cross but had taught instead that there is no such thing as sin and no need for forgiveness. I spent some time explaining that the gospels were written by people who actually knew Jesus and defending the historical credibility of the Bible. But I could tell this person wasn't interested in logical arguments. I found myself thinking about something Nicky Gumbel, the creator of Alpha, says in the Alpha training materials, "Win the person, not the argument." I could stand there and explain to this person why their position was illogical all day and not change their mind. The only thing I was likely to accomplish was to push them away. Sometimes it's better to simply listen, avoid the argument, and look for ways to show love instead.
Paul, who, much like Nicky, seemed to love a good debate and the opportunity to verbally defend the gospel, says something very similar, "Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful" 2 Tim. 2:23-24 (NIV). This advice, Paul claims, is appropriate even when extremely destructive false teaching is involved. He goes on to say, "Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will" 2 Tim. 2:25-26. In other words, "Win the person, not the argument."
There is a time and place to present the case for Jesus and to defend the integrity of his teaching. Both Nicky and Paul do this. But there are also many times to avoid the argument and focus on being kind to the person. This will be especially important at Coast as we go through the Alpha course in the coming months. The videos will present the case for Jesus and describe what Christians believe about him. So this part will have already been done when we go into our discussion groups. Our job, as our friends who don't know Jesus engage the discussion, is to love them and listen to them without arguing or trying to convince them of anything, winning their friendship with the love of Jesus that shines through us and leaving the Holy Spirit to do the rest.
Please pray with me for the upcoming Alpha course.
Father, thank you for your great love for humanity and for your desire that all people should come to know you. Help us to invite our friends to come and experience your goodness, love, and truth. Cause them to say yes to our invitation and to encounter you during Alpha. Help us to love and support them and not argue with them but be there to welcome them into the kingdom at whatever point they may decide they are ready.
Love in Christ,
Michelle
