October 21
Bible Reading: Acts 22:1-5
Acts 22:2-3, “And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said: ‘I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day.”
To have common ground with someone is to have a basis of mutual interest or agreement. It is helpful to me in my work as a hospice chaplain that I’ve some common ground with the patients and families I visit. As a caregiver myself, I know something about the challenges other caregivers face. As a firsthand witness to the travails and suffering experienced by someone with a terminal illness, I can relate. Patients and caregivers feel I can better relate to what they are going through.
Paul held much in common with the mob of angry protesters he was addressing. Establishing that fact was his first order of business in his defense. In speaking in Hebrew, he was literally speaking their language. As a Jew himself, he shared with them a common identity. They loved the Law, having been educated at the feet of the famed Gamaliel, he was an expert in matters pertaining it. He himself was zealous for God as they were. Paul understood where they were coming from. He could relate.
Common ground is a useful tool when it comes to sharing one’s faith, be it some shared experience or hobby or a shared friend or acquaintance, it helps to bridge gaps and build rapport. Whether realized or not, we’ve all common ground in that the same God has created us and we’ve all sinned against Him. If we go back far enough or dig deep enough, we can find some shared common ground with anybody. Starting a conversation with more mundane commonalities can help in moving onto to matters of greater relevance and importance, i.e. the gospel which is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe.
“Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.”—The Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 9:22, NLT)
LORD, LAY SOME SOUL UPON MY HEART
Lord, lay some soul upon my heart,
And love that soul through me;
And may I bravely do my part
To win that soul for Thee.
Refrain:
Some soul for Thee, some soul for Thee,
This is my earnest plea;
Help me each day, on life’s highway,
To win some soul for Thee.
Lord, lead me to some soul in sin,
And grant that I may be
Endued with power and love to win
That soul, dear Lord, for Thee. [Refrain]
To win that soul for Thee, my Lord,
Will be my constant prayer;
That when I’ve won Thy full reward
I’ll with that dear one share. [Refrain]
LookingtoJesus 