That next conversation you have might change someone’s life

You never know how significant the next conversation you have with someone might be. Many of our interactions with others are on surface level things. We talk about things we have done recently, our family and their health, and maybe a bit about work. But sometimes we have a more significant, deeper conversation, that does a great deal to encourage someone or challenge them in the right way.

Some conversations in the Bible are dramatic and unexpected, like when Stephen was told by an angel of the Lord to head to a certain road so he would speak to a very unusual man (Acts 8:26). Yet many of the conversations recorded for us are more everyday. Paul wandered through marketplaces looking to talk to people about Jesus. He took opportunities to encourage people he already knew in his later missionary journeys. We don’t have those words recorded for us, but I am sure the summaries we do have cover a great many conversations.

The local church is supposed to be a family, a place where we use our gifts to build one another up. And sure, that will include in formal ways, like when you lead the singing or the service or even preach. But one key, and often overlooked, way that you can serve others and build them up is simply by talking to them.

That doesn’t sound so dramatic, does it? Yet it can have a dramatic impact on people. Think of the new visitor to your church, who might also be new to the city and not know anyone. It took a lot of courage to come to a place where they did not know anyone. A friendly welcome and inquiry as to who and how they are might lead to a lasting friendship, or at least a positive day. That church member who has struggled with a big issue in their lives in the past week will possibly share it with you if you ask. Once the issue is in the open, you can talk about it, you can pray together, and you might be able to help them as well. Everywhere you look, in every person in the church on a Sunday, there is an opportunity to encourage someone.

Next time you are at church or a Bible study, look around. Is there someone sitting by themselves? Is there someone new to introduce yourself to? Is there someone you know well who you can ask about? It is worth the small level of discomfort in walking up to someone to talk in order to build someone else up. And who knows? Maybe that conversation will be one step towards them coming to faith, or finding joy in Jesus when their life is very difficult.

Church is a family. Let’s take the opportunity to use our words for good.