Witnessing with Meekness

It was a warm South Florida evening and my wife and I walked from our apartment to a downtown district in the small city where we live. Some of the stores lining the two main avenues were closed, dark with maybe an interior light on to ward off evil. Many other places were open, including restaurants, taverns, a coffee house and a couple of ice-cream parlors. It was Thursday, and though not as busy as Friday or Saturday, still lively, filled with souls starting their weekend early, drinking beer and listening to live music, talking and laughing with friends.

At one point that evening, while handing out gospel tracts, I noticed two fellows talking on a dark side-street, and after informing my wife of my intentions, left her side, walking over to scatter some gospel seed, hoping for a harvest. (The following conversation is a paraphrase) Approaching them, I casually and gently said, "Excuse me, would you guys be open to taking a look at some Christian literature?" My wife and I often ask this question, and variations of it, when handing out tracts. We've found it works pretty well because it describes what kind of literature we are distributing, encourages them to be open, emphasizes their freedom to refuse it, and comes off, depending on how the question is asked, as inoffensive, courteous. This is different from offering a token greeting (or no greeting at all) and mechanically handing out information, which can result in the recipient feeling tricked when they find out what it is. When people are graciously given, without pressure, an informed choice regarding a tract, they are more likely—if they accept it—to read it and to do so with interest. "Sure, I'll take a look." Both of them took a tract. While I was walking away, one of them called me back and a discussion followed about the gospel and other questions they had about the Christian faith. One of the men was shirtless and tattooed with an electric guitar slung around his shoulder. I think he was playing at one of the clubs that evening. The other fellow was either a lapsed Baptist or had been one by name only. Both were nice, asking honest questions. During our discussion, one of them said, "I would not have taken the tract but you were so kind about it rather than rude. I've been offended before by people approaching me about religion and would respond rudely back." I said, "The gospel is offensive enough, I don't need to be." The musician responded by saying, "Yeah, it says you're bad."

At another point in the conversation, when asked a difficult question, I had to say, "I don't know." One is tempted to give an answer even if you don't really have one to save pride, but that's lying, it's a deception, and I could tell they respected the honesty. Also, when they asked questions and made comments, I actually listened, which is something I don't always do. In my experience, most people don't listen. They seem more interested in daydreaming or expressing their opinion rather than actively listening, empathizing and trying to understand. After a while, people, in general, know when you are really listening or just waiting for them to finish so you can refute their position or rip out an answer or expound on your pet opinions. Asking questions is a good way to help one learn to listen better. In short, the two fellows were treated respectfully, with courtesy and kindness, as gentlemen, as human beings made in the image of God, and they responded with courtesy back. True meekness, which can only be given by God, engenders this kind of posture when dealing with people. Remember, I'm talking about meekness, not wimpiness, powerlessness, or mousiness; one can be meek while at the same time bold and non-compromising. I'm reminded of Christ on the cross, Who could have wiped out his foes by calling on legions of angels.

Having said all of that, neither of the two fellows I talked to responded immediately to the gospel, but they both—by the sole grace of God—seemed to be affected, if at least a little bit. I've heard it said somewhere before that it takes several good experiences with Christians for an unbeliever to get over one bad experience. This is a serious reminder to us all. Hopefully the seed cast that night took root in good soil and if I never see them again on earth, maybe I'll see them in heaven.