We have a lot of coffee shops in Portland, Oregon. People sit in them to do work, check email, and talk to others. I once read a story about a man who went into a coffee shop. He sat down at a table and put out a sign that said, “Free coffee if you listen to my story.” No one came up to listen to his tale.The next day, he did the same thing. He sat down at the same table and put out a sign. This time, it said, “Free coffee if you tell me your story.” Before he knew it, there was a line of people waiting to tell him their stories. They even brought coffee to him.

The lesson is clear. There are people who are desperate to have someone, anyone, listen to their story. Sometimes sharing the Gospel starts with not saying a word. Just listening to someone else’s story can make all the difference in their lives. The Bible says to be “quick to hear, and slow to speak.”

Jesus often said to the people, “Listen and understand.” He then would present the good news of God’s salvation, but that is also good advice for us even before we present the Good News Gospel. We must make sure we are intentionally listening and understanding the lives of those around us. Then we can tell them how Jesus can heal the specific pains in their lives. Jesus is the answer, but we need to understand the questions first. Then we can share the Gospel with joy.    

This is Luis Palau.