Making Friends for Eternity posted by John Sorensen on Jan 07, 2019

My daughters used to say the phrase, ‘you’re my BFF!’ to their friends. BFF…Best Friends forever! As an adult, you may hear that and think that friendship they’re speaking of may last a few good months, but definitely not forever.

It’s so easy for a child to walk up to someone and instantly become best friends forever, but for us, it can be a little trickier.

The truth is, though, that there is a way to be friends for literally an eternity! If you know Jesus then you know you’ll spend forever in Heaven with everyone else who knows Jesus, so why not make friends who you can truly be with forever?

You see, sharing your faith can be intimidating, but it’s ultimately the most rewarding thing you could ever do!

In Evangelism, the first step is the hardest – getting acquainted and making friends with the person to whom you’re trying to witness. Taking time to get to know the person who you want to tell about Jesus will make it so much easier to bring up your relationship with Him.

Now, don’t rush a Gospel conversation – take the time to find out where your new friend is spiritually. Listen to them and make sure they know you care. Identify with your friend and let them know that you were once in the same place they were spiritually, but now you’ve found saving faith in Jesus!

Ask for permission to ask questions and respect their opinion. Yelling out that they’re wrong and going to hell will rarely produce a harvest! However, speaking in love and kindness about your need and their need for God’s grace will compel them to really listen.

It was 4:45 on a Monday morning flight from Omaha to Chicago and I was new to EE. I began sharing the Gospel with the man sitting beside me, and about halfway through, he said, “So, this is something you have to do, right? Is there a quota?” Man, that really hit me! I had totally ignored every signal this man had given me to stop talking. I determined from then on to really listen to whoever I was sharing with, and make sure they were open to hearing. Don’t be the witness who just wants another number! Listen and care for who you’re talking to.

If you’ll share with your friends how you came to know Jesus and that Heaven is a free gift to everyone who will receive it, they will see that you really do care about them. Don’t be the friend who never tells their loved ones about the greatest gift in all the world!

Remember, if your friend does not pray to receive Christ that you’re not being rejected. If the Gospel is rejected, don’t be defensive! Leave room for another open door with this person and continue to pray for them. Ask God to soften their heart and move them closer to salvation as you’re faithful to make friendships that last forever!

This is our focus this week at Evangelism Explosion through our social media channels and our daily broadcast.

Visit ShareLife.Today for a free booklet called Partners in Friendship. Partners in Friendship presents a simple and effective approach in establishing a relationship that moves toward sharing the Gospel.

May God richly bless you this week as you build relationships that last for eternity.

This is a transcript from Conversations with John Sorensen 23: Making Friends for Eternity