It’s really quite simple and easy, all you need to do is touch an emotional nerve ending, and it really does not matter which one.
Very few people are willing to engage in in-depth logical discussions based upon deductive reasoning skills, and, in no offensive way, many of those who are not willing to are those who are incapable of doing so. But touch that nerve, that emotion, and they will almost inevitably respond.
It matters not if it is jealousy, lust, joy, envy, happiness, pick any emotion and you will have their attention.
“To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” (1st Cor. 9:22)
To be able to fulfill that verse in yourself you must become a student of three different courses, mankind, our adversary, and the Word of God.
Every human being was created in the image of God, hence one of the reasons in relation to the subject matter of this letter to study the Scriptures. All have sinned, therefore the study of mankind, not so much in their achievements, but in regard to how the unrepentant think and then act upon those thoughts. As for the way of our adversary and his actions within the human race,
“The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: (Prov. 21:12a)
But there is one more place where you must do diligent research, and that is within yourself.
If no temptation has assailed us that is uncommon amongst us, then it stands to reason that at our foundation we all basically think the same, and no one who has ever been born has been able to completely and fully control their emotions. Even the Lord Jesus Christ became angry, frustrated and shed tears. The majority of people who have called on the Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of their soul did so in an emotionally charged moment, and although there may be rare exceptions, only those who after that moment used deductive reasoning skills, logically interpreting the Word of God continue in that salvation.
Emotions will fail you, my friends.
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (1st John 4:1)
That would mean your spirit also.
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)
That’s those reasoning skills.
The best way to reach the lost, and it may be an unfortunate truth, is by speaking to their emotions, the miracles of the Almighty, including the gift of salvation, are rarely interpreted by the logical mind. It needs proof, and faith my friends comes by hearing, not seeing.
The following verse sadly, in my opinion, can be said of those though who attempt to hold fast to those emotions, who continuously look for a way to be “lifted up” in their thoughts, and thereby never seek for His truths systematically, logically.
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jer. 17:9)
The charismatic cult is a good representation of these truths.
Tell them they are sinners, and most will turn away, tell them they need to repent in your opening words, and they will bid you farewell. Even telling them of the love the Lord has for them will not always draw them into the conversation. But find where they are in their emotional state at that moment, and you will have an opening to reach them.
An old saying for you. “People do not care what you think, unless they think you care.” They should not just think we care though, they should know we honestly do. Initiate the conversation with concern, true concern.
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” (Matt. 10:16)