Building a Bridge of Words
Every Christian should be involved in evangelistic conversations. But we must also remember that conversation, debate or discussion is a means to an end. Words are the bridge to that end. We say “I love you,” not simply to say the words but to express what would remain hidden in our hearts without the words. In conversation, we must be careful not to burn the bridge of dialogue by using inflammatory verbage. Instead, we should choose words and means that effectively build a communications bridge.
The end, or purpose of what we intend to say should always be kept in mind. The purpose is most important; the words are just a means to our end. As such, our words should be gauged by what we intend to be the end of our conversation. We should not use words that will negate what we intend to mean or say. Is the end, understanding? Then don’t say things that alienate people. Is the end, commitment? Then use words that will inspire. Is the end, agreement? Then use words that make it easy for people to find common ground as a stepping stone.
You may be right and say the wrong thing. If so, in the mind of your listener, you may as well be wrong. There is a natural offense to the gospel message. It tells people they are wrong, not just in actions but in constitution. That is hard to hear. So we must insure that we are not offensive it the way we share. The same is true about doctrine. Doctrine is like surgery and it naturally divides. If you saw someone cutting open another person’s stomach you might be tempted to yell for help. But if it’s a surgeon, the dividing of flesh is essential to healing. Doctrine does divide. It’s supposed to. By dividing, God unites. The doctrine of the gospel divides those who are Christians and those who are not Christians. Thus all Christians are united around the gospel. The doctrine of the Trinity divides those who are orthodox, historic Christians and those who are liberal in their thinking. Such truth unites as it divides. The doctrine of the church divides the polity of one church from another. This unites people into meaningful means of fulfilling the Great Commission. The gospel and doctrine are too important to be shared haphazardly. There should be no offense in the way we speak the truth.
It is quite possible to win the debate and lose the message. Let every gospel herald stive to insure that even those offenses may exist, they do not exist because of the messenger.