We have been going through ‘Love People Make Disciples’, and comparing the application of the lessons, to the important questions that people ask. For a great many of them, there is both a practical answer and a scriptural one. The practical answer does not require a person to follow the tennets of Jehovah’s Witnesses but, it can give added value as to the scriptural guidance that we use.
In LPMD guidelines we have:
Lesson 1.2 - We are more likely to have a good conversation if we start with a topic that interests the other person.
Lesson 2.5 - Be patient. Do not feel that you must introduce a Bible truth immediately. Wait for the right opportunity so that you can bring it up naturally. Sometimes, this may mean waiting until the next conversation you have with the person.
Lesson 3.3b - Show that you care about what matters to a person by listening. If he tells you how he feels about something or mentions a problem he is facing, do not change the subject.
Lesson 3.5 - Be helpful. Look for appropriate opportunities to help the person in practical ways. Acts of kindness can open the door to a conversation.
Lesson 4.4 - Make clear that the Bible is the source of the truths you share. God’s Word contains thoughts that touch people’s hearts. When we use it, we are building their faith on the right foundation.
For instance, the question:
1. “I enjoy Karate, and it gives me some protection, why are Jehovah’s Witnesses so opposed to martial arts ”.
A Practical Answer Might Be: One practical reason for avoiding involvement in martial arts is that many forms place strong emphasis on fighting skills, aggression, retaliation, or philosophies that can conflict with the peaceful spirit Christians are encouraged to cultivate.
A Scriptural Answer: Then say something like “ I find the bible helps me have a balanced view on this at…………
Matt 5:9 – “Happy are the peacemakers, since they will be called sons of God”.
Or: 2Cor 10: 3,4 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage warfare according to what we are in the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but powerful by God for overturning strongly entrenched things”.
Coming up with a practical reason first, can add weight to the scriptures used.
What is your favourite ministry subject that has a practical and spiritual answer to?