Serve Grace with Salt - 4 Pictures of God - 262

A rushed Sunday, a quiet room, and a man who thought he was too far gone—what started as an inconvenient moment became a wake-up call about how real influence actually works. We open with that personal story, then trace a path through Daniel’s life in Babylon to show why connection before correction isn’t soft; it’s strategic, biblical, and powerful.

Across seventy years and four regimes, Daniel stood firm without becoming combative. He earned trust through integrity, humility, and consistency—and that trust gave him a voice. We translate his approach for today’s skeptical culture: speak with grace seasoned with salt, live so your presence raises honest questions, and share your story as a witness, not a prosecutor. Along the way, we tackle the common lenses that keep people from knowing God: the locked gate that feels unapproachable, the pile of luggage that screams disqualified, and the endless ladder that exhausts the soul. Then we replace each with the gospel’s better news—God is near, grace meets us in our mess, and faith rests in Jesus rather than performance.

You’ll hear how Jesus’ meal with Zacchaeus models relationship first, how respect builds bridges for truth, and why the most persuasive moments often happen when we feel least prepared. If you’ve ever wondered how to share faith without sounding preachy—or how to hold convictions without losing kindness—this conversation offers a simple blueprint: listen long, love well, and let grace do the heavy lifting. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review to help more people find the show. What’s one relationship where you could begin with connection this week?

Daniel Dilemma - CH

Chapters

• 0:00 Heart Over Winning Arguments
• 1:07 Show Intro & Platforms
• 1:47 Series Context: Unshaken in Daniel
• 2:37 A Rushed Sunday Becomes Holy Ground
• 4:28 Two Lessons From Jim’s Story
• 5:14 Daniel’s Influence Without Compromise
• 7:03 Connect Before You Correct
• 9:03 Every Believer Shares the Good News
• 11:06 Grace Seasoned With Salt
• 12:27 Jesus And Zacchaeus: Relationship First
• 14:25 Respect Builds Trust And Influence
• 16:12 Be A Witness, Not A Judge
• 18:04 Four Lenses People Use For God
• 19:12 Misconception One: The Locked Gate
• 20:44 Misconception Two: Pile Of Luggage
• 22:06 Misconception Three: Endless Ladder
• 23:30 The True Gift: Grace Through Jesus
• 25:00 Share By Listening, Caring, Relating
• 26:05 Closing Charge And Blessing

Transcript

Daniel Moore: 0:03

When we move closer to the father's heart by sticking out the last, it's important to remember that our goal isn't to present their type case like a lawyer in a courtroom. We don't have to win arguments or prove how right we are. Our aim should be to reach people's hearts with sincerity. What makes that effective is not how persuasive we can, but how genuine, honest, and compassionate we are with others. This week on connecting the gap, we continue our series on taking that and culture and compromise. This is a podcast about marriage, Bible, and book studies, and we interview people that have a story. I'm Daniel Moore, your host. Thank you guys for joining us this week. If not familiar with our show, check out our website at www.connectingthegap.net. Our platforms are there YouTube and Rumble Links. We're also on the Christian Podcasting app Edifi. And we're also on your Alexa and Google Smart Devices. You can also visit us on social on Facebook, Instagram, and X at CTGap Online. If you're a fan of our show, please subscribe. Feel free to leave a comment on our platforms. Give us a thumbs up or a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. And we'd be eternally grateful to you for doing that. Well, as I said this week on Connecting the Gap, we're continuing our series on Unshaken as we dig into the Bible book of Daniel and we talk about how to stand fast in a culture of compromise. When Satan throws things our way to try to trip us up and try to cause us problems, how do we stand fast through all of that and stand firm on what God wants us to do and stand firm on his promises? Well, this week we're going to be getting into episode 14 of this series. And it's entitled Serve Grace with Salt for Pictures of God. It was a Sunday like any other, and I was serving on the discipleship team at church. One of our main responsibilities was to guide people who responded to the salvation call, take them to a room, pray with them, and give them a Bible. Usually this was a moment filled with joy and anticipation to meet someone whose life was being changed. But not that day. That morning I was in a rush. I had somewhere to be after service and my heart wasn't in the right place. I remember folding my arms through the response time, silently thinking, I hope no one raises their hand today. It wasn't a proud thought, let me tell you, but it was an honest one. I just wanted to leave quickly. The enemy had crept in with distractions, convincing me that my schedule was more important than someone else's eternity. But God had other plans. A man raised his hand high. My heart sank not in disappointment at him, but in conviction for myself. As the team directed him to me, I took a deep breath and walked him slowly to the ministry room. The moment we sat down, he broke. Tears streamed from his eyes as he admitted things he had never confessed to anyone. He told me he had once been a believer, but had drifted far away. He was trapped in pornography, alcohol, and deep shame. He felt like God wouldn't want him back, like he had gone too far and stayed way too long. The lies he had believed had built chains around his life, and he had silently suffered for years until this morning. Something about this man, his brokenness, his honesty, it hit me hard. In that small room with no audience and no fanfare, God reminded me that my life wasn't about me. While I was worried about getting home quickly, Jim, as I'll call him, this man I now sat with, was wrestling for his soul. My schedule didn't save anyone. But showing up, being available, and pointing someone to Jesus, well, that's what we're here for. That morning taught me two priceless lessons. First, this life isn't about me. My temporary inconvenience couldn't compare to what Jim needed, a touch from Jesus, hope from the Word, and someone to tell him he wasn't too far gone. Second, as a follower of Christ, my purpose is to give hope. Even when I don't feel ready, even when I'm distracted, if I just show up, God does the rest. Sometimes the most powerful ministry happens on the days that we feel the least equipped. But in our weakness, he proves strong. That morning, as I watched God redeem a man's soul and remind me of mine. As followers of Jesus, we have a real hope, and we're called to share it. But how we share it makes a huge difference. Relating to people and building genuine connections before talking about God isn't a new idea. It actually goes back to the early church and even before that. One striking example of this is found in the life of Daniel. During his 70 years of captivity in Babylon, Daniel consistently shared his faith with the various kings who ruled during that time. Rather than isolating himself from the surrounding culture, Daniel engaged with it and left a lasting impact, all while staying true in his beliefs. Over the course of four different regimes, his influence only grew, and he continually pointed others toward God. What made Daniel so effective in reaching others? Well, he relied not on pressure or force, but on persuasion. His extraordinary character and unwavering devotion to God set him apart and drew admiration even from those who held him captive. Daniel embodied something that we need to embrace in our relationships today. Build connection before offering correction. Reaching people is not just a part of our calling, it is at the heart of it. Though we don't have detailed records of Daniel's conversation with each of the Babylonian rulers, it's clear from the way that he was treated that he approached leadership with respect, humility, and wisdom. He didn't respond with defiance, accusation, or condemnation, even when he had every reason to defend himself. Take for instance the story in Daniel 6, where jealous officials schemed to have him thrown into the lion's den. Despite this, King Darius clearly held Daniel in high regard and had even planned to promote him to a position of significant authority. That promotion itself speaks volumes. In a culture where the Jewish people had been conquered and carried off into exile, Daniel's life stood out. Not because he blended in, but because he didn't. He remained distinct in his convictions, yet still earned the trust of those in power. Darius didn't just respect Daniel, he trusted him. Most rulers under those circumstances would have suspected Daniel of subversion or espionage. But Daniel's integrity and consistency evidently removed any suspicions. His authentic faith and sincere spirit not only earned him admiration, but allowed him to be a powerful witness in a foreign land. Connect before we correct. Reaching people is our purpose. Daniel understood a profound truth. The way he represented God to those around him truly mattered. It wasn't just about what he said or did, it was also about who he was, his character, his attitude, and the tone that he carried. These traits spoke just as loudly as his actions. Daniel became a person of notable influence in the heart of a pagan and hostile culture because he held firmly to his convictions while living out his faith with a spirit of humility, integrity, and curiosity. He didn't compromise, but he also didn't clash unnecessarily. His approach allowed him to earn respect and open doors for meaningful impact. This story carries a strong message for us today. Before we encounter Christ and surrender to Him, our lives revolve around discovering God and allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. But once that transformation begins, our focus shifts. We move from being receivers of grace to becoming reflectors of it. Like Daniel, we are placed in a world that often doesn't understand God or share our values. Still, our purpose remains the same, to influence this generation for Jesus in a way that honors him and draws others. Well, maybe you're thinking, but I'm not like Daniel. You might feel unsure or uncomfortable about the idea of sharing your faith. Maybe it seems too personal or you worry about sounding preachy. And sure, it might seem easier for a pastor or someone with a bold personality, but the truth is sharing your faith isn't reserved for a select few. It isn't about being eloquent or having all the perfect answers. It's about building genuine relationships and allowing your life to be a visible, approachable example of hope. You don't need a platform or a title to make a difference. You just need a willing heart and a posture of love. Daniel's influence came from his consistency, not from a formal role or grand speeches. Likewise, your impact will come as you live faithfully, speak kindly, serve sincerely, and remain open to the opportunities God brings. It's less about performance and more about presence. When you show up with Christ-like love and patience, people notice. And sometimes that's all it takes to start a conversation that leads to transformation. It's unmistakable throughout Scripture that Jesus gave a clear command to all of his followers, not just pastors or those in vocational ministry, to share the good news with the world around them. In Mark chapter 16, verse 15, it says Jesus said to his disciples, Go everywhere in the world and tell the good news to everyone. This wasn't a suggestion for a select few, it was a mission for every believer. You don't need to be articulate or even have extraordinary story to share. What truly matters is authenticity. Just be real. Scripture reinforces this truth in 2 Corinthians 5 20 where Paul writes, We are Christ ambassadors. God is making his appeal through us. That means each of us has been entrusted with the task of representing Jesus and reflecting his message of hope. However, in today's culture, which is often skeptical of faith, it becomes increasingly challenging to carry out this assignment. One reason is that some Christians misrepresent what it means to share the gospel. Rather than approaching people with compassion and grace, they take on an aggressive, confrontational posture. Certain individuals feel it's their duty to tell others exactly what they're doing wrong and demand immediate change. What they call evangelism ends up looking more like judgment than love. It's harsh, angry, and often offensive, and unsurprisingly it pushes people away. In truth, this kind of approach is not only ineffective, it's also unbiblical. Frankly, it just doesn't turn others off, it also turns me off, and I believe it grieves the heart of God. Jesus described himself as the good shepherd, the one who leaves the ninety nine sheep to go after the one that is lost. That image is deeply telling. It shows us that the heart behind sharing our faith should always come from a place of deep compassion and personal urgency, the way a parent would feel for a missing child. We don't reach out to the lost win an argument or prove a point. We do it because we recognize how much God loves every person and how much he longs to bring them home. Sharing our faith is not about being right. It's about being relational. It's not about forcing someone to change. It's about offering a glimpse of the hope and the grace that change does. When we move closer to the father's heart by seeking out the lost, it's important to remember that our goal isn't to present an airtight case like a lawyer in a courtroom. We're not out to win arguments or prove how right we are. Our aim should be to reach people's hearts with sincerity. What makes us effective is not how persuasive we sound, but how genuine, honest, and compassionate that we are with others. Scripture encourages us in this approach. In Colossians chapter 4, verse 5 and 6 it says, Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders. Make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Notice the emphasis isn't on having all the right words, but rather on how we speak, with grace and intention. We're told to use wisdom and kindness, letting our words both preserve and enhance, like salt adds flavor. This is the tone and texture of conversations that can truly make an impact. Sharing our faith isn't about having a memorized speech or always being ready with a set of bullet points. It's about living in a way that invites questions, and when those questions come, being ready to explain the source of our hope. This doesn't mean you need to carry around gospel tracts or recite long Bible verses on demand. Instead, it's about being ready and willing to talk about what matters most to you, how your life has been changed by Christ. So practically, it means keeping your heart open and sensitive to the moments that God provides. It's about having spiritual food ready to share, words that are rooted in grace and rich with truth and seasoned with salt. It's not about being perfect or polished, it's about being present, real, and led by love. The first step in reaching others is simply making a connection. At the core of every person deeply desires to be loved without conditions. We all long to be noticed, to be valued, and to know that someone genuinely cares about us in our story. As followers of Christ, we aren't called to be everyone's closest friend, but we are called to reflect his heart, showing the same compassion, kindness, and authenticity that Jesus displayed throughout his ministry. What stands out about Jesus is that he always prioritized relationships. He met people where they were, connected with them on a personal level, and built a bridge of trust before addressing any issues in their lives. He saw the person before the problem. One of the best examples of this is found in his interaction with Zacchaeus, a man many of us may remember from the Sunday school song about the wee little man. What began as a simple walk through the streets of Jericho turned into a life changing moment for Zacchaeus, reminding us that connection often leads to transformation. In Luke nineteen verses one through ten it says Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short, he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today. So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter. He is gone to be the guest of a sinner. But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, Look, Lord, here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount. Jesus said to him, Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. This story beautifully illustrates Jesus' heart for the outcast and his commitment to connection before correction. Zacchaeus' life was transformed by one personal moment of grace. The next step after forming a genuine connection with others is to actually live out what Jesus taught. Most people aren't looking for deep theological arguments, they're watching to see if our actions match our words. They're looking to see if the love of Jesus that He spoke about is really evident in His followers. Jesus said His disciples would be recognized by their love, and that's still true today. When we engage with people in a sincere, respectful way and reflect the love of Christ through our actions, we show them that they matter, regardless of any differences between us. Even if someone doesn't agree with what we believe or isn't ready to make a commitment to faith, they'll likely remember that someone genuinely cared about them. And sometimes that memory plants the seed that leads them closer to God. This principle is so crucial because influence doesn't happen in a vacuum. It begins with respect. Before someone is willing to truly hear what you have to say, they need to know that you value them. Respect lays the groundwork for relationship, and relationship opens the door for influence. It's often not our words that people respond to first, but our approach, our tone, our posture, and our authenticity. Do we make eye contact? Do we engage with genuine interest? Do we treat them as individuals, not just as another stranger on the street or someone we are obligated to talk to? When people sense our willingness to connect with them as human beings without agenda or judgment, it creates a foundation of trust. And once that trust is built, we can begin looking for opportunities to share our personal story. That's the heartbeat of evangelism. It's not about preaching at someone or listing what they need to fix. It's about sharing what God has done in our lives. Evangelism is less hear what you should do, and more can I tell you what God has done for me? Jesus put it this way We are to let our light shine so that people will see something in us, our love, our kindness, our character, and it will point them to God. As he prepared to leave this earth, Jesus told his disciples, You will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere. That's in Acts chapter one verse eight. He didn't say we should act as his judge or jury, assigning guilt or making evaluations. He asked us to be witnesses, people who have seen, experienced, and testify to what they know. To be a witness simply means to share about what you've experienced firsthand. That could be a life-changing moment years ago or something small and meaningful that happened just this morning. Each one of us has something to tell about how God has moved in our lives, stories of peace and chaos, hope and pain, or joy in unexpected places. Sharing faith is often as simple as letting little bits of that story drop naturally into conversation. What some call weaving in God thoughts. These moments don't have to be forced. Just know that people around you are dealing with unseen burdens and a word of hope can go deeper than you realize. The goal is never to pressure or push, it's to persuade through love and authenticity. When we live in a way that's genuine and attractive, people become open to hearing more. And the opportunities to share will start to appear more often than you'd expect, especially when your heart is ready and your eyes are open. Once you've established genuine relationships with people, you'll often find that their understanding of God is shaped by broken or warped lenses. Many times their ideas about God aren't shaped by scripture or personal experience with the Holy Spirit, but by painful memories, disappointing church experiences, legalistic teaching or harmful encounters with people who claim to represent Christ. Some may carry wounds from childhood homes where religion was a tool of control, or they've been hurt by hypocrisy and judgment in church communities. Others have formed their opinions based on secondhand stories, cultural stereotypes, or misinformation gathered online or through media. In many of these situations, they've never truly encountered the compassionate loving person of Jesus. When we start to see these misunderstandings, our instinct might be to immediately correct them or set the record straight. But often the most impactful thing we can do is slow down and actually listen. Taking time to hear the backstory behind their beliefs, asking questions with genuine curiosity, and showing empathy are powerful tools. When we validate their feelings and acknowledge the pain or confusion that's led them to see God a certain way, we begin to build a foundation of trust. Letting someone know I get why you feel that way doesn't mean we're endorsing the belief, but it does show that we care about the person behind it. Only when people sense that we truly value them, regardless of whether they agree with us or not, do we earn the opportunity to gently speak into their misconceptions. Even if they don't immediately change their views, they're more likely to respect us for the way that we handled the conversation. And we should never forget, accepting someone as a human being made in God's image does not mean we approve of everything that they believe or do. Much like parenting, where we love our children unconditionally despite not always approving of their actions, we can extend love and acceptance without compromising truth. Connecting with others through listening and understanding before correcting is fundamental to having meaningful influence, just like Daniel did in his time. A youth pastor, turned pastor, experienced how important this was years ago when he served as a youth pastor in Colorado. He regularly joined students for lunch in their school cafeteria and encouraged them to bring their non Christian friends. He'd casually ask, I work at a church and I'm always curious. What do you think about God? Then he would just listen with interest, asking thoughtful follow-up questions and engaging in real dialogue. As they shared, he made an intentional effort to respond with empathy. Many times he would say things like, Well, if I'd been through what you've experienced, I think I'd feel that way too. He wanted them to know they weren't his project. He wasn't ticking boxes by witnessing to them. He saw them as individuals with a voice and a story that mattered. And this approach isn't new. Correcting false or incomplete understandings of God is something Jesus himself did often during his ministry on earth. He consistently redefined people's faulty assumptions about who God is, not by force, but through compassion, truth, and relationship. If Jesus took the time to engage hearts before challenging beliefs, so should we. Addressing the way that others must perceive God isn't a new task. In fact, this was one Jesus undertook in his time on earth. In Mark eight, verse twenty seven to twenty nine it says Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, Who do people say that I am? They replied, Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and still others one of the prophets. But what about you? he asked, Who do you say I am? Peter answered, You are the Messiah. In this short but powerful interaction between Jesus and his disciples, we see four different perceptions of God's surface. Three of them missed the mark, and only one accurately reflected who God truly is. Interestingly, these same four perspectives can still be found in the way people think about God today. Even now, many individuals carry misconceptions about God's nature shaped by culture, past experiences, or incomplete teachings. Just like Jesus did with his disciples, we must start by asking questions and listening to understand how people view God before we can help guide them toward the truth. Back then, figures like John the Baptist, Elijah, and other prophets were familiar and revered, so people naturally liken Jesus to them. Today, however, misconceptions come in different forms, shaped by our own current context. The four common perceptions that we'll look at are drawn from a helpful teaching from John Maxwell. He uses these illustrations in his leadership lessons to help people understand how God is often misrepresented. And he's not alone. These ideas have been identified in interviews, public opinion polls, and even studies done by seminaries and major news outlets like USA Today. Before we dive into what the accurate view of God looks like, it's important to take a closer look at the three common but incorrect ways that people tend to perceive him. These misunderstandings can act as barriers to faith unless we lovingly and wisely address them. So let's explore each one. One of the most common and deeply rooted misconceptions people have about God is what could be summed up as a view of Him as a quote unquote locked gate. This idea suggests that God is distant, unreachable, and unwilling to be found. Many individuals assume that he's out of touch or uninterested, and that discovering or connecting with him requires an exhausting journey full of qualifications, rituals, or extreme spiritual effort. Some even believe that after all that effort, God might still remain completely inaccessible. Sadly, this perception is often reinforced, not broken down, by some religious communities or denominations. These groups, intentionally or not, create an atmosphere that feels exclusive and uninviting. They position themselves as the gatekeepers of faith, acting as if only a select few know the secret to truly finding God. For those outside, it can feel like a club for the elite, with the message, whether spoken or implied, that only certain people are welcome or worthy. In some cases, doctrinal teachings even go so far as to suggest that God has already preselected who gets in and who doesn't, leaving the rest to wonder if they have any hope at all. But this view doesn't reflect the heart of God or the message of Scripture. In fact, the Bible offers a very different reality. In Acts 17 verse 27, it reminds us that He doesn't play hide and seek with us, He's not remote, He's He's near. God desires to be found, and he actively seeks relationship with everyone. Jesus made the way to the Father open and accessible, not through hoops to jump through, but through grace. The gate is not locked, it's wide open to anyone willing to walk through it. The second common misconception that many people hold about God is what we might call the quote unquote pile of luggage view. This perspective leads people to believe that their past disqualifies them from being accepted or loved by God. They feel weighed down by mistakes, failures, and regrets, carrying emotional baggage from decisions they've made or things that they've done. These individuals assume that there's no way God could ever want anyone with so much hurt, sin, or brokenness. They bought into the lie that until their life is cleaned up and in order, God remains off limits. This mindset is incredibly powerful and incredibly wrong. It causes people to run from the very one who is most able to heal and restore them. Sadly, this view is often reinforced by shame, guilt, or the judgmental attitude of others. Yet the truth of the gospel flies in the face of this thinking. God doesn't wait for us to have it all together. In fact, Romans 5 8 tells us that God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us, even while we were still sinners. That verse dismantles the myth. God doesn't require perfection before extending his love, he offers it right in the middle of our mess. The Bible is full of reminders that God has always worked in and through people who carried their own baggage. I mean think of Abraham who lied out of fear, Jacob, who was a deceiver, Moses who killed a man and ran, David who committed adultery and murder, Ruth, who came from a pagan background, Samson, who was ruled by impulse, and even the disciples, who very often lacked faith and courage. Then there's Paul, who once persecuted Christians. None of them had a clean record, and none of them were perfect. Yet God chose them, loved them, and used them to accomplish his purposes. Your baggage doesn't disqualify you. It simply proves your need for God's grace. And that grace has never required anyone to earn it. It just asks us to come. The third mistaken view of God can be described as a quote unquote endless ladder, the belief that God constantly demands more than we can ever achieve. This perspective paints a picture of God standing at the top of a never-ending staircase, watching to see if we can climb high enough, fast enough, and well enough to earn his approval. People who fall into this mindset assume they must first change themselves, fix their flaws, and prove their worth before God will accept them. This perception can lead to a life driven by performance and perfectionism. Individuals stuck in this cycle keep striving, trying to please God through good works, only to regularly feel that they've fallen short. Eventually frustration sets in. They start believing that they will never measure up, and the result is often exhaustion, guilt, and deep discouragement. Condemnation becomes a constant companion, whispering that they're not enough and never will be. But this is not what God desires, and it certainly isn't what his word teaches. In John 6, verse 28 and 29, when people ask Jesus, What must we do to do the works God requires, he gave a simple but powerful response. The work of God is this, to believe in the one that He has sent. That statement shifts everything. It's not about climbing higher or trying harder, it's about placing our trust in Jesus. The truth is, God never intended for us to earn our place with Him through effort. He knew we couldn't. That's why He sent Jesus to do for us what we could never do on our own. The only thing that God requires is faith, a surrendered heart that believes in the finished work of Christ. From that belief, transformation comes, not the other way around. We don't climb the ladder to reach God. He met us at the bottom. He extended his hand through Jesus and invited us into relationship, not based on performance, but on grace. The only right and life-giving view of God is the one where we recognize Him as our Savior and understand that His love is a complete free gift, and it's an undeserved gift. As Paul said in Second Corinthians 9 15, thanks be to God for His undescribable gift. This is the true heart of God. He's not a distant judge, an unapproachable gatekeeper, or a demanding taskmaster. He is a loving father who reached out to humanity through the gift of his Son Jesus Christ. There is no amount of striving, no list of achievements, and no spotless record that can earn his love or salvation. It's not something that we work toward, it's something that we receive. Ephesians chapter two verses eight and nine reminds us for it is by grace that you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by work so that no one can boast. That kind of grace is radical. It defies the logic to performance based approval we see everywhere else in life. In Romans 6 23, Paul contrasts what we've earned with God with what he offers. It says for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Have you ever received a completely unexpected gift? Not for your birthday or a holiday, but a moment where someone simply wanted to remind you that you matter. Gifts like that stand out. They feel personal and powerful because they weren't given out of obligation, but out of love. That's exactly what God did when He gave us Jesus. He gave out of love, not obligation. It wasn't because we earned it, but precisely because we couldn't. And now, as those who have received this incredible gift, we're called to share it. Not demand that others accept it or scold them for not understanding it. We share by first listening, by caring, by relating. We earn the right to explain who Jesus is when we reflect who He is. Patient, kind, merciful, and full of grace. Recognizing the false views that people have about God helps us know how to better walk with them in truth. But simply pointing out where they're wrong won't change hearts. Demonstrating the love of Christ, that's what changes everything. So as we wrap up this episode, let's remember the greatest influence we have isn't in convincing others with perfect arguments. It's in living with such grace and authenticity that people see Jesus through us. Let's be people who lead with love, build relationships with humility, and point others to the gift that changed our lives. That gift is Jesus. Well, that's all for this week. And as we go, we believe that God's word never fails us. God's word has stood the test of time, and through Jesus' death on the cross, he has connected the gap. This is an extension of Connecting the Gap Ministries, and we pray that you have a blessed week.