Heart and Hands: Loving People for Jesus One Conversation at a Time
“I didn’t know people cared like this.”
“Thank you so much. You have no idea how much I needed this in my life right now.”
“Yeah, I want to make that decision to follow Jesus.”
It is one of the greatest moments when you see the Lord work in the heart of the person in front of you, and then you both walk away encouraged, hopeful, and thinking of the One who makes it all worth it. This is what happens at Hearts and Hands every Tuesday.
Jesus, throughout his entire ministry, was willing to meet people where they were, and we are called to do the very same thing in our everyday lives. Ministry is not a switch we turn on in a specific setting; it is a lifestyle.
Evangelism can be scary, but that does not mean it is any less meaningful. We have to learn how to approach evangelism from a place of security in our relationship with Jesus.
Ask yourself what was it about Jesus that you fell in love with. Hold on to that truth and don’t waver; operate from that foundation.
Every person you see needs Jesus, and your encounter with them is influential in moving them closer to following Him. Whether it is a conversation about what God did in your life, an opportunity to pray for them, a full gospel conversation, or a smile and ‘hello,’ it all makes a difference.
It is like throwing a pebble in their shoe. They will walk around, and it will be noticeable; eventually, they will have to take out the pebble. Your encounter with them will be like a pebble in their minds, the way you communicated that they were seen and loved, the way you prayed for them, and the hope you had. They will think about it, and we pray that when they do, the truth will come to life and take root, that they come to the same knowledge of the Hope of Jesus Christ.
Every other Tuesday, there is an opportunity for Regent students to go out and simply love people. The only thing we assume of people is that they need more of Jesus and His love, grace, and mercy in their lives.
Heart and Hands is about striving to have the heart of our Lord for His children to come home and then having the hands to the plow and sowing seeds of gospel truth in people’s lives. Don’t believe the lie that you aren’t ‘good enough at evangelism.’ This is a lie. Our God does not expect perfection; he asks for your ‘yes,’ and he is faithful to walk with you through every step, speaking from experience.
Come out on Tuesday at 6 pm in the upper room of Shaw Chapel for a time of prayer, worship, and then going out. We will be back by 8 pm. Come ready to get uncomfortable for Jesus and see people hear of His love for them, some for the very first time! We love because he first loved us.
