Have you ever had a conversation with someone that was one sided? The person is so eager to get their point across that they simply make it impossible for you to respond. When you put a boulder in someone’s shoe, it stops them completely so there is no contemplation other than to remove it and disregard it. When you put a pebble in their shoe, they will most likely continue on, and work through their thoughts about that pebble.

How can you be that pebble? What is a positive witness? How does this look in today’s world? How can we share the good news of Jesus so well that people will actually respond positively?

It took me a while to understand this, as I was often “throwing pearls before swine” on social media as well as trying to talk to those I love about Jesus only to have my words land flat and ineffective.

Being bold with strangers can be easy. Being bold with loved ones may break that relationship. People respond to those they know, like, and trust. When you share the gospel with a friend or family, are you someone that they like and trust?

Here is a good way to navigate who to continue with and who to stop: are they interested at all?

When sheep are grazing in the field, there are often multiple herds grazing together. Even when they are all mixed up with other herds, any particular herd knows when it is time to go based solely on the voice of their shepherd. It is the same with people and Jesus. Those that are His will hear the call when it is time. They will hear His voice and follow Him. All you need to do is share with anyone and you will know. They will be interested or they will not.

This helps me know when to keep going and when to stop. Forcing Jesus down people’s throats never goes over well and only gives Christianity a black eye. Place pebbles in people’s shoes and love them well.