Just read Today's On-line daily Bread and the message just touches my heart just want to repost it so it may also bless and touch others. The message is indeed true as for me I pray that someday i may have the gift of sharing God's message in a way Jesus did, being sensitive without hurting people and not to coerced people instead let the Holy Spirit do the final work.
COD LIVER OIL COERCION"A woman bought a bottle of cod liver oil to give to her dog so he could have a healthier and shinier coat. Every morning, she pried the dog’s jaws open and forced the liquid down his throat. He struggled, but she persisted. He doesn’t know what’s good for him! she thought. Faithfully, each day she repeated the process.
One day, however, the bottle tipped over and she released her grip on the dog for just a moment to wipe up the mess. The dog sniffed at the fishy liquid and began lapping up what she had spilled. He actually loved the stuff. He had simply objected to being coerced!
Sometimes we use a similar method in telling others about Christ. Called buttonholing, it’s an intense, in-your-face kind of confrontation. While earnestly desiring to share the gospel, we may end up repelling people instead. In our sincere but overly enthusiastic attempt, we create resistance.
We are called to share the good news, but we are not responsible for someone’s acceptance or rejection of Christ. It’s not our job to try to convict someone of sin. That’s the Holy Spirit’s responsibility (John 16:8).
As you tell others of Christ’s sacrifice, be sensitive. Know when to slow down and let God and His Word do the convicting and drawing to Himself. —Cindy Hess Kasper
The Spirit’s role is to convictThe world of all their sinSo they will seek forgiveness andBe cleansed and changed within. —Sper
