Thoughts for the Day

Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise.
Then I shall have an answer for those who taunt me,
for I trust in your word.
Do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your ordinances.
I will keep your law continually, for ever and ever.
I shall walk at liberty,
for I have sought your precepts.
I will also speak of your decrees before kings,
and shall not be put to shame.

(New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Coming towards me on the pathway was someone I knew. Suddenly she avoided my eyes and crossed over the road, totally ignoring me. What was going on, and why was she avoiding me? She had been a church member, but a short while ago and then had just stopped attending! Well I've learnt one thing about people who leave church or indeed any group - they need to be allowed to go comfortably, even if their reasons seem odd to us. If we don't make the transition easy, they will 'hide round corners' when they see us, and it all becomes very awkward. Being able to keep a good relationship with them, is important for the future.

We may not be called to "speak of your decrees before kings" as Psalm 119 says, but we are called to share the Gospel with others. However, if we push too hard they will run away every time they see us coming. The experts on the subject of how we grow in faith, reckon it takes at least six good experiences of church before a person becomes a committed Christian. In between these good experiences, we keep the relationship going whether it's with family members, friends, or those who just step away from church. Just as important is to keep praying for them and for their concerns and be available if they want to talk about anything.

Heavenly Father,
we ask Your help
with our relationships,
to family, friends, other Christians,
and especially with those
who seem to struggle with faith.
Let us be open to their
suspicion or doubt,
and ready to speak of You
if they turn to us.
Amen.