Mark 13:11
“And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus gave this instruction to the disciples in the context of their own persecution for their faith. However, I think it can be helpful for us in the context of sharing our faith with those around us.
He said, “Do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”
If you are anything like me, you might find yourself becoming anxious when talking with unbelievers about the Lord. Jesus tells us not to be anxious. Why? Because the Holy Spirit will speak through us.
I understand that to mean two things. First, I get anxious because I am trying to figure out the best thing to say. Here, the focus is on my knowledge, wisdom, and ability. Second, the Holy Spirit will guide me if I don’t focus on myself and trust the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and words. Here, the focus is on the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Father, help me to lean into your Spirit and rely less on myself. Amen.
We seem to be having some of the same thoughts. I have been studying (and working on a study) about that very thing. About first LISTENING to the people we encounter, accepting them, and loving them. And only then bridging that moment. There is so much to unpack there, and examining the examples in the Bible is the best place to start. This is an excerpt from the final part:
PART FOUR
The Practice: Living with Bridge Moment Eyes
Chapter Sixteen
LEARNING TO LISTEN
Hearing What People Are Really Saying • James 1:19
“This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.”
— James 1:19 (NASB)
Chapter Purpose: To develop the foundational skill without which no bridge moment can succeed: listening. Not hearing words while formulating your response. Not waiting for your turn to speak. Not listening for an opening to insert your point. True listening — the kind that hears what people are really saying beneath the surface of their words. Every bridge moment we have studied in this book began with Jesus or the early church hearing something — a need, a question, a hunger, a grief — and responding to it. This chapter equips the reader to hear at that level.