Friendly persuasion ∙∙
Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. – 2 Corinthians 5:11
John 16:7-11
7 But I tell you the truth, it is best for you that I go away because if I do not, the Helper will not come. If I do go away, then I will send Him to you.
8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.
9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me.
10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more.
11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.
In the 1980s, there were five significant summit meetings between U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. These meetings played a crucial role in reducing Cold War tensions and advancing nuclear disarmament efforts.
During the Moscow Summit from May 29 to June 2, 1988, President Reagan gave Gorbachev a copy of the Hollywood film “Friendly Persuasion.” Reagan suggested that Gorbachev view the film as a portrayal of the necessity and potential for finding an alternative to war in resolving differences between peoples
“Friendly Persuasion” is a 1956 American Civil War drama film produced and directed by William Wyler. The movie revolves around a Quaker family whose non-violent religious beliefs prohibit violence and war.
In the early days of the Civil War, the conflict reached the peaceful family’s home in southern Indiana in 1862. The movie delves into the dilemmas they face. Should they fight despite their commitment to nonviolence? The choice is between protecting themselves or adhering to their religious beliefs and doing nothing.
Gary Cooper portrays the head of the Quaker family. He remains true to his religious convictions. In the process, he must probe his soul. He grapples with the inner conflict between two conflicting principles: protecting his family with violence or living by his Quaker philosophy of nonviolence.
How are our points of view modified and transformed most effectively? Particularly those regarding the truth found in the Word of God.
There is no need to argue with people to try to convince them regarding the truth of the Word of God. Nor does heaping guilt and shame upon them move them to any lasting action. The Word of God is like a lion. You do not have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself (Charles Spurgeon).
People are generally better persuaded by the reasons they have discovered themselves than by those that have come into their minds from others (Blaise Pascal).
2 Timothy 2:24-26
24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.
25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.
26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
This method respects the individual’s autonomy. It involves active listening to understand their motivations and using words and actions that resonate with their values. By doing so, the person feels supported rather than manipulated, making them more likely to embrace the direction suggested. This approach is not only more respectful but can also lead to more sustainable and fulfilling outcomes, as the individual is more likely to commit to a path they genuinely want to follow. In essence, it’s about guiding rather than pushing and supporting rather than controlling, which can make all the difference in achieving long-term success.
Each child of the King is to act as a guide and lead others into a knowledge of the truth. The truth will take care of itself. The world is divided into two types of people: the children of light and the children of darkness. Each is revealed through exposure to the Word of God. The living Word of God inserts itself into the minds and hearts of people.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
REFLECT & PRAY
I would rather try to persuade a man to go along because once I have persuaded him, he will stick. If I scare him, he will stay just as long as he is scared, and then he is gone (Dwight D. Eisenhower).
Father, teach me the gentle art of friendly persuasion. You promise to gather Your sheep. It is my responsibility to voice Your call. No warfare is required.
INSIGHT
2 Corinthians 5:11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men.
Because we know and respect what the Father has said in His Word, we are motivated to persuade people. We share His ways through our lives. We should be different. As we share the truth of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ through our words and our conduct, in some mystical way, we exude a peculiar aroma that other people can somehow sense. The fragrance we effuse provokes diametrically opposed responses among people. For some, it can be very alluring; for others, it is quite repulsive.
In New Testament times, a shepherd had a distinctive call that his own sheep knew. When he called his sheep, they would come to him. The truth of the Word of God is like the voice of a shepherd seeking his sheep. The Father’s sheep are only revealed by their affirmative response to His call.
John 10:27-28
27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;
28 and I give eternal life to them.
Paul used the word picture of incense to illustrate friendly persuasion. He compared the children of the King to incense, spreading the fragrance of the Lord Jesus Christ through their lives and work. We are the aroma of the Lord Jesus Christ. To other believers, we are the fragrance of life, but to unbelievers, we are the fragrance of death. The way we live and work can have a profound impact on the lost world around us, potentially bringing either life or death (Wiersbe).
2 Corinthians 2:14-16
14 But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now, he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.
15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.
16 To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?
John 16:8 And He [the Holy Spirit], when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment.
The Greek word elegcho, often translated as “convince” or “convict,” encompasses meanings such as expose, reprove, persuade, and bring to light. It involves revealing errors or proving guilt, akin to cross-examining a witness or an opponent until they acknowledge the truth of an argument.
Typically, the Holy Spirit is seen as a defense attorney for believers, but here, He acts as a prosecutor and ADA. Through friendly persuasion, the Holy Spirit reveals reality, guiding people toward objective Truth. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but not their own truth. When the Holy Spirit speaks, His opinion is Truth! He convinces people regarding objective Truth. The Holy Spirit deals with each person individually and focuses on eternal matters of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Convincing is not condemning. A convinced person stands convicted. They often experience guilt or condemnation. It may be spontaneous. But it is not part of the process.
Can a child of the King resist and disregard the work of the Holy Spirit? We have only to search the memories in our hearts, the answer is self-evident.
Hebrews 3:12 Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart . . ..
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© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 