Page 118 - First Steps 2023

4. Grace and peace are found in a relationship.
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:3).

We experience grace and peace through our relationship with Jesus,

and the story of Jesus is best shared with others that you know.
Most believers became believers through the influence of someone
they knew. That may be your story.
Especially if you’re new to the faith, you likely have many relation-
ships with people who’ll comment on changes they see in you as you
continue your walk with Jesus. Each of those comments is an opportunity
to share your faith.
As God leads, take those opportunities—but be sure God is leading.
He knows who’s ready to listen, who’s open to the gospel. It’s likely he’ll
direct you to specific people at specific times; be open to a nudge in those
directions.
You’ve just identified a friend who needs to know about Jesus. Think
awhile and you’ll probably come up with an entire list of people who share
that need.
Your friend may be at the top of your list, or there may be other family
members, friends, or co-workers who he’d have you talk with first.
To be sure, you can and should talk with everyone you know who
needs to hear about Jesus. You’re in relationship with those people; if you
don’t do it, who will?
But don’t be so busy working through your list that you ignore God
tapping you on the shoulder to go see that specific person, in that specific
place, right now.

• Be open to deepening relationships
If God’s calling you to share with someone, he may also be calling
you into deeper relationship with that person. Sharing a meal, having

more open conversations, even inviting people to church events and
activities.
People who care about relational evangelism sometimes use the
phrase, “earn the right to speak.” That means once people know you

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