Feeling Tongue-tied?

Published: Dec. 2, 2020, 8 a.m.

Some people have told me, “But Luis, I get flustered and don’t know what to say when I’m talking to someone about the Good News of Jesus.” I suggest you take a tip from how Jesus handled His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. You can find the story at the beginning of John chapter 4. Jesus began by making a simple request, “Will you give me a drink?” When the woman expressed amazement that He, a Jew, would ask a Samaritan for anything, Jesus gave her a classic if…then statement. “If you knew who was asking you for water, then you would have asked him for the living water he can give.” (John 4:10) Jesus spoke in a conversational style she was familiar with. Let’s cultivate that style ourselves as we talk with our neighbors. If they are depressed, then Jesus can bring joy. If they are angry, Jesus offers peace. Jesus portrays Himself in the Gospels as the Good Shepherd, the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Living Water. He is sufficient to fulfil any human need, and we just need to point people to Him. Focus on Jesus and who He is rather than on those not-so-brilliant conversation skills. This is Luis Palau.