LAST (Listen, Act, Speak, Trust)
Matthew 20:16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”
L – Listen
– Be humble: your identity is in Christ, not in what people think or say about you.
– Don’t get offended: don’t take things personal, or hold grudges, it’s not about you.
– Listen to understand: not to respond. Seek to understand their opinion better than they do.
James 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the
wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
A – Act
– Demonstrate Christ: your life (24/7) is the first sermon people hear, for or against Christ.
– Avoid hypocrisy: practice what you preach, before and after you preach it.
– Prove your love: people need to be fully convinced you care for them, before they’ll listen to you.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in
heaven.
S – Speak
– Truth in Love: you can’t have one without the other: twisted truth, unloving lies. (Eph 4:15)
– Gentle Wisdom: it’s the kindness of the Lord that leads us to repentance. (Rom 2:4)
– All things to all people: consider how people will hear it, not just what you want to say. (1 Cor 9:22)
Ephesians 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ
Romans 2:4 …the goodness[kindness] of God leads you to repentance?
1 Corinthians 9:22 …I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
T – Trust
– Do your best: we can only give so much, and we need to trust God to provide the rest.
– Don’t force: we can’t argue people into the kingdom, God has to transform hearts.
– Don’t worry: pray without ceasing for them and trust God with the outcome.
1 Corinthians 3:6 I [Paul] planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.
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