A motivational skill that is compassionate in its approach can be effective in sharing the Gospel. Rather than persuading or pressuring people, it creates a safe and meaningful environment where they can explore their beliefs, doubts, spiritual questions and openness to Jesus Christ.
This approach focuses on genuine care and understanding. Colossians 3:12 calls us to “clothe yourselves with compassion”. Instead of focusing immediately on changing people, we should first seek to understand them. James 1:19 reminds us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak”. Through active listening, reflection and thoughtful questions, people feel heard, respected and valued.
Acceptance is equally important. Romans 15:7 encourages us to “accept one another”. We do not need to agree with every belief, but we should respect people’s perspectives and allow them to express their doubts without fear of judgment. This builds trust and creates opportunities for deeper conversations.
Practical Example:
When someone says, “I’m not interested in Christianity”, instead of immediately sharing the Gospel, we can respond:
“That’s okay. Would you mind sharing why?”
If the person explains that religion is irrelevant because they already live a good life, we can ask, “What does living a good life mean to you?”
Through listening, we may discover personal struggles, such as caring for an unwell family member. We can then show empathy and gently ask, “Would it be okay if I prayed for you and your family?”
Even if the person remains uncertain about God, we should respect their freedom to decide and continue building the relationship.
Ultimately, this motivational skill helps us create a trusting and compassionate environment where people feel comfortable exploring the Gospel at their own pace. Our role is not to force people to believe, but to walk alongside them, sharing Christ’s love and allowing God to work in their hearts.
Sharon Tan
