Start A Conversation
As you read through the Gospels, spend some time reflecting on Jesus’ conversations. A few that immediately come to my mind are Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus (John 3), the woman at the well (John 4), and several of his conversations with the disciples. One was a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews; another a Samaritan woman with a past; and his disciples were common men living typical lifestyles for those days. Think of how life-transforming these conversations were for these individuals.
One of my favorites is recorded in Acts 4. Peter and John were boldly proclaiming, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Now when they [the rulers, elders, scribes, the high-priestly family] saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:12-13 ESV) Conversations with Jesus changed Peter and John’s lives, and they were now being recognized as having been with Jesus, something that will continue till the day they died. Their stories and lives took dramatic turns as a result of their time with Jesus.
God uses conversations as an opportunity for us to love our neighbors. Starting conversations is a way to connect, to encourage, and to gain new insights. There is much we can learn from one another. Hearing each other’s stories and life experiences can bring awareness to places that need healing, restoration, compassion, and care. We share our lives through conversations.
A conversation can change a life.
Looking back on my time while serving at the Men’s Center, I am reminded of several insightful and inspiring conversations with our residents. One that is dear to me is my experience of how a conversation can make an impact. I took some time to hear a resident's story and how he had been doing in his program. Listening closely, I heard a few areas where he could use some encouragement. The Lord led me to write a few verses on a notepad, which I then gave to him, encouraging him to take some time to read and reflect on these Scriptures. He mentioned to me some time later that he read the verses and wanted to show me what he had been doing with them. He was on a bottom bunk in his room, and he had written the Scriptures down and placed them directly above his head so he could read them anytime he was lying down or getting ready for bed. God’s Word encouraged his heart and fed his soul as he continued his recovery journey. God used a conversation and His Word to strengthen, comfort, and guide him through his program. That conversation and outcome have left an impression on my life that I will never forget.
This is one of many conversations through the years. Opportunities for deep discussions about life and the Bible constantly occur at the Centers. Many of my hours were spent in conversations filled with great questions about faith, life stories, and how to overcome different life struggles. The wisdom and guidance of Scripture faithfully led and influenced those conversations. It is an amazing experience to see God work in someone's heart as they pursue Him through prayer and the Bible. Conversations filled with grace and the truth of God’s Word— these are two that I’ve seen help followers of Christ be salt and light in the world.
In John 1:17, we read a significant phrase: “grace and truth came through Jesus Christ,” which we witness throughout so many of Jesus’ conversations and teachings. His openness, empathy, and compassion drew people towards him without ever compromising his passion for truth and the will of the Father. Jesus’ mission was clear, and his words were full of life and love. He illustrated the importance of presence. He made time for people, addressing their personal, specific needs.
Revisiting the impact Jesus made through his conversation with Nicodemus, we see in the gospel of John traces of transformation in Nicodemus’ life. He is mentioned only three times: The Night Visit - John 3:1-21 | Defending Jesus - John 7:50–51 | The Burial of Jesus - John 19:39–42. In each of these instances, we see a progression. Starting with curiosity and questions, then attempting to provide an opportunity to hear and learn from Jesus, with a final mention of Nicodemus preparing the lifeless body of Christ for burial, which most assuredly would have caused some friction among the religious leaders. Nicodemus brought about 75 pounds of a mixture of myrrh and aloes to prepare the body of Christ for burial. This signified an extraordinary, royal-level honor for Jesus. Normal Jewish burials used around one pound of spices. This massive quantity of costly aromatics was historically reserved only for royalty or eminent national figures.
Perhaps the inscription on Jesus’ cross was fresh on his mind: ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’ Nicodemus may have been pondering, “Is Jesus our promised Messiah, the light and savior of the world, the Son of Man, the one to usher in the Kingdom of God?” In those final moments Nicodemus had with Jesus, I have to wonder if he heard in the quietness of his soul those words from his conversation with Jesus:
“You must be born again…As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life…For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3)
Think of the impact that can be made from a willingness to start a conversation. Many times poverty, homelessness, and substance misuse are rooted in broken relationships. When we are willing to hear people’s stories and take time to genuinely listen, we may find opportunities to begin helping others restore brokenness in their relationships. A conversation can change a life. Keep that in mind as you support those in need in our community, share the love of Christ, and strive to help others through their life circumstances.
