finding common ground

Today in the One Year Bible, we read from Acts 26:1-32. In this passage, Paul is defending himself as he's on trial in front of a Roman ruler named Agrippa. This was not a good man. But Paul compliments him and his wisdom as he begins his defense.

Sure, the cynics among us might say he was just buttering him up so he'd be lenient on him. Maybe so. But it is also a good example of finding common ground with those who aren't followers of Jesus so that we might share His love with them.

And that's important for us to do. Anytime we come in contact with those who don't call themselves Christians, we need to reach out in love and find common ground with them. We need to find how God is already at work in their lives, and fan that flame. We need to find the things that they're good at, and help them see how they can use those gifts for God. It's not that hard... we just have to be willing to find that common ground.

God, thanks for teaching us to find common ground with those who don't know You. Help us share Your love.