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| PentecostalTheology.com
A Progression: Love, Healing, the Good News – Ray E Horton
“Preach the Gospel of Jesus, and if necessary, use words,” someone once said.
This indeed captures an understanding of the need to be an example of what we preach, reaching out with the love of the Lord, fertilizing and softening the ground of the hearts of those around us, if we are to effectively share the Good News in a way that brings openness to receive.
What are they going through? What do they need? Show an interest in them. Don’t just ask, “Do you know Jesus?”
How do we open their hearts to hear? Sometimes it is just being there to listen. Look at their hearts and their hurts. What are they going through? What do they need? Show an interest in them. Don’t just ask, “Do you know Jesus?” That will just put many off or confuse them if they think they do, but really don’t. Trust the Holy Spirit to bring them to the point of wanting to know Jesus as you reach out to them.
Sometimes just asking, “tell me what’s on your heart” or “I see that you are hurting” will open them up. “Can I pray for you” usually gets a positive and appreciative response. Sometimes a need for healing is obvious, and healing prayer touches them. Believe that He will heal through you. If they experience healing, or some relief or positive change, walls will come down and doors will be opened.
Seek an Individual Approach
So, in one-on-one ministry to the lost, I believe God’s way is first prayer to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit for the individual approach, then let His love and healing power in us open doors. It is then that they will be receptive, dare to hope, and want to hear the Good News, be saved, forgiven, empowered, and become a part of God’s Kingdom.
