As believers, we often spend most of our time with other believers. We do life together—raise our children alongside one another, attend the same church, share meals, and know each other’s stories and families. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But if we’re not careful, we can become comfortable in our own circles—just us four and no more.
My experience has been a little different. For about twelve years of my life, I didn’t spend time with believers, attend church, or surround myself with people who did. In fact, church was the last place I wanted to be.
After living life my way—apart from the church, apart from believers, and most importantly, apart from the Lord—I found myself completely bankrupt: emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I came to the end of myself and surrendered my life to Jesus. In time, I rebuilt my life within a strong, predominantly Christian community.
Recently, I’ve found myself back into situations where not everyone is a believer. Some are, but many are at different stages in their recovery journey. (Honestly, I believe we’re all in some form of recovery—or will be eventually.)
And here’s what I’ve realized:
Not everyone knows how to look up a verse in the Bible.
Not everyone owns a Bible.
Not everyone understands “church words” or grew up hearing Bible stories.
Not everyone was raised in a Christian home or went to church every week.
So it would behoove me, to love people right where they are. To be kind, patient, and tender with them, loving them right where they are. To gently share the truth of God’s Word and His love for us all. Because often, more is caught than taught.
I want to live a life that causes others to ask:
- How do you know what you know?
- Where did you learn to love like that?
- How did you stay married for 35 years through all the craziness?
I want the Spirit of God to move in me and speak through me in such a way that others are drawn to His peace—the kind that surpasses all understanding.
God’s desire is for people to know the freedom that can only be found in Him. He wants them to know they are not the sum of their past mistakes. He wants them to understand how their childhood wounds may still impact them today—but also that healing is possible through Him.
But everyone has to start somewhere. And if someone feels too intimidated to ask questions or admit they don’t know how to look up a verse, they might never begin the journey.
God—help me be vulnerable, honest, and open, so that others see You in me… even if they don’t realize it’s You just yet.
Mary Hand:
Choosing Him Ministries Biblical Counselor
