How to Love People into God’s Family

by Rick Warren — March 11, 2022
From How the Church Meets Your Deepest Needs

“Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.”

Psalm 40:3 (NLT)

Because of Jesus, you can have your past forgiven, have a purpose for living, and have a home in heaven. Telling others about this hope you have in Jesus is the most loving thing you can do.

When people see the difference Jesus makes in your life, it has an impact. The Bible says, “Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD” (Psalm 40:3 NLT).

Yesterday, we looked at three practical steps to help you share the hope of Jesus. Here are three more:

Listen first. Every person on this planet has a deep hunger to be heard, to be understood, and to have their feelings validated. Proverbs 18:13 says, “Listen before you answer” (GNT). Your ear is a great tool for showing love to someone. When you listen to another person, you can find the key to their heart.

Share your stories. Notice I said “stories,” not “story.” Why? Because you have many stories, or testimonies. A lot of people think they only have one testimony—the testimony of how they came to Christ. But has God ever helped you with a financial, relational, or health problem? You have hundreds of powerful testimonies that can point people to Jesus.

Bring people to worship. One of the best ways you can share the Good News is to bring people to church. As they walk into a service, they will see many believers coming together, worshiping God, and believing the same thing. Acts 2:47 says, “At the same time, they praised God and had the good will of all the people. Every day the Lord saved people, and they were added to the group” (GW).

Most people don’t know about the hope that Jesus Christ gives, and so they are spiritually empty. What step can you take today to bring someone into the family of God?

Talk It Over

  • When was the last time you shared with someone the hope you have in Jesus? How did they respond?
  • Think of a time when you completely focused on listening to someone. What did you discover in the process?
  • How has God recently helped you with a financial, relational, or health problem? Who can you share this testimony with?

How to Join God’s Family

If someone is ready to trust God’s promise of salvation and join his spiritual family, then ask them to pray this prayer:

“Dear Jesus, you have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.

“I confess my sin, and I receive you into my life as my Lord and Savior. Today, I’m turning every part of my life over to you. I want to follow you and do what you tell me to do.

“Jesus, I am grateful for your love and for your sacrifice that makes it possible for me to join you in heaven. I know I don’t deserve it. And I thank you that I don’t have to earn or work for my salvation, because I know that is impossible. I want to use the rest of my life to serve you instead of serving myself. I humbly commit my life to you, and I ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at [email protected] and let me know. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.


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