It’s tough when those closest to us don’t believe what we believe. We can feel so passionate about our faith and want others to experience Jesus too. But however much we want them to share our beliefs, we need to accept each other’s differences and unique perspectives.

Sometimes our relationships with friends and family can end up breaking down because we try to force our opinions. Someone might need to hear about Jesus, or see His love demonstrated to them many times before they accept Him. If we’re the last person in the chain, we get the privilege of seeing that person’s life transformed. But we’re just as important if we’re person two or four or seven. We may never see that person come to faith ourselves, but we’ll have played an important part in their journey.

Whichever link we are in the chain, we need to be careful that we’re not forcing our views on others. Instead we need to show them through our actions, words, and love, that the best life is one with God. It’s so much harder when people aren’t prepared to listen and respect our beliefs, but when we feel discouraged, we can turn to Jesus for our example. He didn’t condemn the people who crucified Him; He prayed: ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do’ (Luke 23:34 NKJV). He didn’t see them as morally bad, but spiritually blind. He told His disciples, ‘No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him’ (John 6:44 NKJV).

So instead of feeling compelled to force someone to believe, and think we’ve failed if they don’t, let’s pray that God would draw them towards Him. And in the meantime, let’s show them His love through our words and actions.

What Now?

Have a think back over your journey to Christ. Who were the links in your chain, the people who helped you on the way to becoming a believer (whether they had a big, long-term influence, or just said the right word at the right time in passing)? Thank God for each person you can remember in your chain.