E2H Mar. Issue

TRAGEDY & FRIENDS

Severe weather ripped through parts of Leeds recently. I’m sure you heard or maybe even experienced it. Damage was done, homes were destroyed, property was lost, and—sadly—a life was taken. Concerned relatives quickly called me to insure that everything was okay, which immediately let me know that our little area was the talk of the state. Of course, it was also the talk of the town.

As I drove through town I saw many standing outside, some working, but mostly the town was talking and observing. I then realized that it takes a tragedy to get a city to talk. Usually we pass one another on the street or at the store without a word. We stand in line together, we share the same roads, and we live in the same apartment complexes, but rarely do we acknowledge one another’s presence. However, when something happens to the whole community, it pushes us to discuss the tragedy. Suddenly, we open up to strangers and—with enthusiasm—discuss the particulars of the recent tragedy. Next week, though, we’ll once again relax into our individual lives.

Ironically, our communities, cities, and nations silently deal with an ongoing tragedy that will continue to exist until the Lord comes. Sin has spiritually destroyed the lives of millions but its effect on the masses is different. Instead of looking for help from the neighbors, sin’s victims often are left alone, defensive, and hard-hearted. If sin is the talk of the town it is never in a way that benefits the sinner; instead it takes the form of gossip.

It is unfortunate that we cannot bring ourselves to talk about this tragedy. Furthermore, we suppress the conversation, hoping that it will never come up with our friends. Let me encourage you to talk to your friends, with love and compassion, about the One who gives aid to sin’s tragedy!

When was the last time you talked to a friend about Christ? Suppose a father asked each of his three sons to tell others about Christ in a different way. The first was to go door to door and attempt to begin personal Bible studies. But, after a short period of time he learned that most were away from home or didn’t want to pause for Bible study. The second was told to conduct a Gospel meeting. He was quickly discouraged to find that there were no visitors from the community, only one or two from area churches, and his home congregation poorly attended the meeting. Finally, the last was told to work among just his friends. He busily made his contacts, and—although some were not interested—he found true success.

The above scenario did not take place, but it is my opinion that there are many parallels to it in life. We may find the most success when we evangelize among our friends. It is called friendship evangelism, and the Bible is filled with countless examples of it. Sin is a tragedy. And if a tragedy can get a city of strangers talking, then certainly it can move a true friend to reach out and help another!

“My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth, and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (Jas. 3:19-20).

-BK