Helping People Form Their Convictions

How do you react or respond to someone who believes differently than you do? What about someone who doesn’t hold convictions at all?

Scripture teaches it is possible to help people form their convictions well. Followers of Jesus can, and should, lead others to the truth of the Gospel, even when that means offering redirection in love.

Use Acts 18:24-28 as your guide. Priscilla and Aquila, two followers of Jesus, encountered a man named Apollos. Apollos preached of God and is Kingdom with love and enthusiasm, but he did not know the whole story. Apollos was missing important truths about Jesus.

Instead of criticizing Apollos or walking away from him, Priscilla and Aquila came closer. They took him aside and taught him the rest of the story (the truth of Jesus’ baptism), without ever dishonoring Apollos. Because of their grace and patience to help him, Apollos was empowered to preach more boldly and with more accuracy. He went on to share the Good News of Jesus in many cities.

The story of Priscilla and Aquila teaches five practices toward spiritual formation to follow as you help others form their convictions:

1. Acknowledge the Imago Dei (image of God) in every person.

Because every person, even the ones with whom you disagree, was created in the image of God, every person carries inherent value. They are worthy of love and respect. This must be your starting point.

2. Check your motives.

Are you correcting someone else to justify your own belief, or because you care deeply that they know the truth of the Gospel?

3. Lean in with patience, curiosity, and discernment.

Priscilla and Aquila did not rush or shame Apollos. Come curiously, letting the Holy Spirit guide your conversation.

4. Point to Jesus.

Don’t get sidetracked by non-essential conversations. Simply point to Jesus, speak the truth, and let Him control the outcomes.

5. Be willing to have your own convictions challenged.

As you pursue the truth, you might find your own opinions challenged. Stand confidently in the Word of God, and remain open to His voice as He speaks to you.

PRAY

God, help me see Your image in _________.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Give me spiritual wisdom and insight.
Jesus, help my life and my words point straight to You.
Keep me confident in Your truth, and open to Your voice.

Dive Deeper

This week, take one step in helping someone you love come to know the truth about Jesus.

Think about the people who helped you shape your own beliefs and convictions. What do you remember about your journey with them? How were they helpful or patient with you? Reflect on your own time of formation.

Or, identify one person you love who might need support as they form convictions. How can you encourage the good you see in them? What might be the right environment to pull them aside and point them to Jesus? Ask God for discernment.