Yesterday, I shared the gospel with a man at his work as I stood in line for lunch with a friend I’m discipling. I listened to his story. After we talked, he came from behind the counter and prayed with me (as we held up the line a little). I returned today to see him again, and we prayed and talked about Jesus some more. He was a little more transparent today – vulnerable and trusting – and shared some struggles with me (homelessness, past addiction, spouse incarcerated, etc.). We all have a past. We all have struggles. We all need a friend. We all need the love of Christ. He hugged me as I left as if to say, “Thanks for seeing and loving me”. Would you pray for my new friend?
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be witnesses of the gospel wherever we go. While we pray for a response, we must continue to befriend and begin walking with people right where they are in relationship and discipleship with Jesus. We are also called to love people because Jesus loves us. I intentionally went back today to talk with him more. We exchanged numbers and my hope is to meet with him away from the counter and help him grow in Christ.
The people we encounter daily are made in God’s image and valuable to Him. You never know what someone’s been through or going through. People need hope that only comes from Jesus. Whether it’s the guy behind the register at your favorite restaurant, the lady at the store you go to every other day, or the neighbor you may have never met, God placed them in your path for more than doing things for you. We are to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and our neighbor as ourselves. We are to love those often overlooked, underappreciated, and (sometimes) “thrown away”. We are to share the Good News of eternal life in Christ, which is available to all who call on him and respond in faith.
How can you genuinely love and share Jesus with the next person you meet? Perhaps God wants to work through you to help them find Him?
stephen R Harrison 
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