My girls tease me that I invent ways to tell people about my grandchildren. I work in an introduction every time they’re with me, and when they’re absent, I always have pictures. Of course, they’re right. I do love to make conversation and who doesn’t love a baby, but my intent is more than mere pleasantry. I always seek common ground. Sometimes it’s grandchildren. Other times it’s the weather or gas prices or church or even cancer. What sets a casual conversation apart from a divine appointment? It’s not me.
I believe that every person is created in the image of God, and I believe that God is Sovereign. I believe His Sovereignty means that nothing you or I can do, whether intentionally or unintentionally, can frustrate His purposes. Does this make me careless in my interactions? Hardly, but it does make me more aware of God in them.
The first New Testament believers included those who walked with Jesus. They had His perfect example for a time, but like watching our children grow up, those three years must have seemed far too short! Once He ascended and they were left to steward the fledgling church, I’m certain there were moments when they wished they had listened more carefully. Yet those were exactly the moments when Jesus promised, “when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”
(John 14:26) This is the same Spirit present with us, giving us the mind of Christ. (I Corinthians 2:16)
By that Spirit, “we believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.”
Acts of the Apostles 15:11 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/act.15.11.NLT
We agree that “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
Romans 5:8 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.5.8.NLT
And “because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.”
Romans 5:2 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.5.2.NLT
“And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people.”
We are confident that “He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him,” just as He promised. (John 14:6)
Hebrews 9:27-28 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.9.27-28.NLT
So make conversation, and let the Spirit lead. “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone, making the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:5-6) You’re not so very different from that person standing next to you. Look closely. That’s one for whom Christ died.
A Fitting Reply 