Ministry to Those on the Broad Road
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it
Matthew 7:13-14
Unfortunately, there are many people on the broad road to destruction because they choose to believe Satan’s lies. Ministering to these souls can be difficult since they are comfortable in their justified belief and are often defensive when anyone tries to change that belief. What is the best way to bring God’s truth to someone firmly grounded in Satan’s lies?
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1:19) When we minister to someone that is firm in their belief, it’s best to listen to what they believe and refrain from getting angry even if they get defensive. We listen with respect and compassion showing that we care about the person and are genuinely interested in what they believe. We look for commonality between what they believe and God’s truth.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15) Scripture tells us to always be ready to give the reason for the hope we have in Christ, and should we do so with gentleness in speech. I always ask the person do they believe the Bible. Some say yes but many say it is full of discrepancies and others say they don’t believe because it was written by men. We combat these allegations with knowledge about discrepancies and knowledge about origin of scripture. Ask the person to identify the discrepancies and we explain how men wrote the Bible guided by the Holy Spirit. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 2:21).
Seek to bring the truth in love with non-threatening questions leaving the person with something to think about. We can leave the person with a scripture to read because the Word of God has divine power. It should be an uplifting verse revealing God’s love.
Today if you have the chance to bring the truth to someone on the broad road, approach them with love and compassion. The more lost souls we approach the better our skills become in bringing them the truth. Always ask the Spirit to guide your words.
Prayer: Lord, guide me in the Spirit to minister to those thoroughly grounded in their belief based on Satan’s lies. I pray for wisdom, patience and understanding, and for a heart that stays calm and respectful. In Jesus name, Amen