COMMON LANGUAGE

During the high schoolers’ spring trip to Jamaica, they visited a home for troubled teens who had run afoul of the law or whose families could not handle them. This was not a comfortable situation for the kids from either culture. What would they say? How would they connect?

Minutes after they arrived, a soccer match began as a number of the US students engaged some of the Jamaican teens in spirited competition.The soccer match was a great icebreaker as the kids kicked the ball around and got to know each other. After the game, conversation was easier and friendships were established more quickly because of a common interest.



In Acts 17, the apostle Paul demonstrated how to break through barriers and establish dialogue. He talked with the Athenians about something of common interest—worship. In a similar way, we can use sports talk with a co-worker or lawn conversation with a neighbor. The possibilities are endless.

To reach out to people who need to hear about God’s love, look for common language—and watch the barriers fall.



GOD’S LOVE CAN BREAK DOWN BARRIERS.(RBC)