dealt with the woman of Samaria (John 4:3ff). Studying this passage carefully, we find seven vital princi ples for “sensitive witnessing.” Paul Little has written an excellent book on this subject, entitled, “How to Give Away Your Faith.” It’s pub lished by Inter-Varsity Press. In verses 1-7, we find the first principle in that Christ contacted others so cially. Some Christians confuse the issue, thinking that the idea of sepa rating ourselves from the world is the same as isolating ourselves from it. When a believer comes to the point in his life when he can say he doesn't know any non-Christians, he ceases to become effective. How will he reach others? Jesus got involved with the needs of people in the world. Friendship involves being concerned with others, not necessarily approv ing of or following along with their practices. Proverbs 18:24 tells us, “A man that hath friends must show himself friendly.” This demands sheer courtesy when we contact oth ers. We’re not to become obnoxious in our attitude toward them. A very practical step is to pray that God will lead us to at least one person whom we could befriend, and even tually introduce to the Saviour. The second principle, found in verses 7-8, indicates a need to estab lish common interests. Christ could have boasted of Himself, and justly so, to this woman. Instead, He in volved her personally. He appealed to an area of her own interest. Our responsibility begins on a practical level. One of the best ways to learn the interests of others is to come right out and ask them what they do for a living, as a hobby, or about their family. It may take a little do ing on our part, for so often we’re more preoccupied with talking about ourselves. Read newspapers, maga zines and books so that you can be conversant. Learn to be a good lis tener. That involves more than say ing, “Uh huh.” Listening requires 21
EFFECTIVE SENSITIVE WITNESSING
by Todd Lewis, student at Biola College
T he central theme of mass media, social psychology and communica tion is sensitivity, or showing love, concern and involvement in and for the needs of others. As a speech ma jor at Biola, we realize the impor tance of empathy with an audience. This can be gauged by “feedback” from listeners. It may come from such simple things as a frown or a yawn. Facial expressions, bodily movements, as well as words them selves, show these various emotions. As believers, our consuming pur pose should be that others may come to know Christ as their personal Sav iour. To have a meaningful impact on lives for the Saviour, we must follow the important principles for effective, sensitive witnessing. The perfect example of One who is the most sensitive person in history is Jesus Christ. Because He was God, He knew the thoughts and inner needs of man even before He met them. Think how Christ’s sensitivity
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