The sixth law in Terry Barber’s book: How to Share Your Faith with Anyone: A Practical Manual for Catholic Evangelization, admonishes us to always agree.
It is tough to always agree. I love a good argument. But this is simply not the time to argue! Jesus tells us to: Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Matthew 5:25
Terry points out that this does not mean that we should water down our message, but rather in your response, let the listener know that you understand what they are saying.
A car salesperson focuses on selling cars. If the client likes brown, the car salesperson will agree that brown is a great color and then bring the topic back to the more important matter of car safety and selling that car.
To a statement like: “The Catholic Church is hurting women by being against abortion.” You could respond: “Loving and caring for women is very important.” Instead of starting a hot topic debate that will likely derail you from your goal of sharing the good news, you simply agree.
Jesus takes the same approach when the Samaritan woman at the well tells Him: “I do not have a husband.” Jesus agrees: “You are right in saying, ‘I do not have a husband.’” But then He continues: “For you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true.” John 4:17-18
Jesus agrees, yet obviously disapproves, and gets the train back on track by pointing to the important issue he wants to bring up.
Share the Gospel with someone today! – Peter den Hollander