Open, respectful, compassionate dialog ... where has it gone?

Why does it seem that open, respectful discussion has fallen by the way side? Or has it always been this way? For instance, if God and what we think he is and what he wants of us is of utmost importance (it is), why don't we discuss it with those who differ from us more often? Is it because we think we'll be talked out of our way of thinking when new information is injected? I mean, if it's false logic, the doubt or altered thinking it might create will be temporary at best. But if it's truth, isn't an injection of that data an extremely good thing? And how will that ever happen if we're afraid to talk to one another about the most important topics?

People, we must talk.

We must be less emotional about our response to ideas that differ from our desired way of thinking. We need to drop our need to 'win' or be 'right' and just exchange information, ideas, perspectives. We need to listen without judgment, without waiting to speak, without pride in our hearts... without a readiness to pounce with attacking words.

How many times has a Muslim approached me to share what he or she believes is critically true about God? Or how many times has a Hindu approached me? The answer is zero. But if it matters most, why not?

And Christian, when is the last time you lovingly shared what you know to be true? Emphasis here is on the word lovingly. 

If we believe that Jesus is the Way and the Truth and the Life (as he clearly says in scripture), and that no one can get to the Father except through him, why aren't we frantically sharing the Gospel?  Christian, you and I both know that what we think about God is the most important thing about us, including what we do with what we think/know about him. We know that without accepting Jesus as the Lord, Master, Controller, King, Boss of our lives, we are left with the alternative ... a horrific and undesirable eternal destination. If others knew this was true like we know, they would accept him as quickly as possible, understanding the urgency. They would drop everything, get down on their knees and except him. No doubt about it.

But if we don't tell them ...

Lord, start with us... your children.

Wake us to the importance - to the criticality - of engaging this lost world with love and compassion. We know they are in horrible danger. We can't stand idly by if we are to be lovers of you and lovers of our neighbor. God, we need your help here. Knock us cleanly and fully out of our comfort zones. 

I ask this in Jesus name. Amen.