When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22
Here’s some good news: You don’t have to argue politics or win debates to share Jesus.
When Ying began working with Phil, she’d never known a Christian and was curious about Phil’s faith. He was friendly and engaging, so she invited him to her family’s Lunar New Year dinner. Phil felt nervous about the event. The decorations, customs, and prayers were unfamiliar. But he went—bringing fruit, learning greetings, and quietly showing respect. That evening, Ying said, “You didn’t act afraid of my family. That meant a lot.” Their friendship became the soil where deeper faith conversations would later grow.
In a divided world, one of the leaders of the early Church named Paul had an unusual strategy. He said, “… I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). Paul understood that the message of Jesus is challenging. It calls every heart—religious or not—to humility, repentance, and surrender. That’s a big enough challenge without adding rudeness, pride, or cultural blindness on top of it.
Jesus authored this approach. He spoke to fishermen, scholars, tax collectors, and women at wells—people from all backgrounds. He saw each person, not just their label. The Bible says, “… if someone asks about your hope …, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way” (1 Peter 3:15b-16).
If your neighbor invites you to dinner—even if their faith is different—go with gratitude. Bring something to bless them. When we meet people where they are, our lives reflect Jesus. Because the gospel travels best across bridges built by humility.
