All speech is different, but is all silence the same? You could argue that the absence of sound is silence, and there is only one version of that, but has that been your experience? Have you experienced both profound silences and awkward silences? Certainly these are not the same thing. I answered my critics in such a way that they didn’t dare ask me any more questions. This is different from a situation that is so embarrassing that no one knows what to say. Have you made a joyful noise before me? At other times have you realized that you should keep silent?

Do you love the poor? An objective reading of the Bible would indicate that they have privileged status in the Kingdom of God, but who is eager to be poor to gain this? Do you love the poor enough to donate money for their relief? In the modern economy you can provide for the poor without having to come in contact with them. Do you love the poor enough to meet with them, to hear their stories, and to find out why I consider them to be rich in faith? Do you identify with them, knowing that you too are poor in spirit, and that this is your access point into the Kingdom of God?

Do you tell people that you are too busy to maintain a friendship with them? You may not phrase it so bluntly, but if you use busyness as an excuse for not keeping in contact it is the same thing. Have you had others give you this excuse, or have you offered it as an excuse for them, saying that you know they are busy? This can be a gracious way to excuse people who are not willing to put any effort into maintaining a friendship, but everyone has the same number of hours in a day, and who do you know that doesn’t make a priority of the things that are most important to them?

I have given you the Great Commission. How do you view the work of evangelism? Do you see it as a sales pitch? Even if those are not the first words that spring to mind for you, have you seen the gospel message presented this way? Did you find it to be presented fairly and well-received? This is not the only approach. You could also think  of evangelism as a long conversation. It may take many installments. Be patient for the effort is worthwhile. This is more interactive than a presentation, but don’t you feel more invested in a conversation when your own voice is heard?