Finding Common Ground With Others

1 Corinthians 9:22 NLT

When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.

This verse is one that will quickly bring us back to the purpose the Lord has given us to bring Him glory and help expand His kingdom. It also reminds us of the selflessness that is required to walk in the love of Christ. Our faith is not just about us individually gaining eternal salvation and reaping the benefits that it brings, but it is also about having the opportunity to share the gift of salvation that we have received with others. 

You may have noticed that establishing common ground does not always come easy. Especially since there seems to be so much division in the world today. But in actuality, we as people generally have more in common than we realize. But focus is often shifted from what we have in common to what we don’t have in common. And that keeps us from establishing common ground.

This verse also gives us some insight into what can cause problems, when it comes to establishing common ground. It indicates that an inability to become weak in order to help those who are weak, can hinder our progress in winning souls to Christ. 

Sharing in someone’s weakness can be something as simple as having a listening ear or lending a helping hand in times of need. The word humility also comes to my mind. Because in order to meet people where they are and share in their weakness, we must humble ourselves. Humility is given to us through the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

I think this day in age, humility can be a challenge for even the kindest people. But nevertheless, it is part of establishing common ground with others. Being mindful of the Holy Spirit’s gentle nudgings to share  the love of Jesus Christ, can truly make a difference as we partner with the Lord in helping “to save some” as the verse says. The seeds we plant can take root and help to lead someone to Jesus Christ.

We live in a world that encourages us to focus mainly on ourselves and how we can store up earthly treasures. We are made to feel like our greatest accomplishments will be the ones we achieve here on Earth and our worth is often tied to what we acquire in this life. But in the kingdom of God, that is not the case. He tells us to store up treasures in heaven. The work we do here on Earth for God’s kingdom will have an eternal impact that goes beyond our natural lives and stretches into eternity, and what impacts eternity, is what matters most.

Matthew 6:19-20 NLT

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.

We are living in a time now more than ever where people are hurting and looking for answers. As followers of Jesus Christ, we can overcome the odds by making sure we are spending adequate time in His Word so that we are growing in our relationship with Him and receiving the daily strength and instruction we need. Doing so will enable us to share Jesus with those around us in the ways He leads us to. If our cups are empty, we can not pour into others so we must replenish ourselves daily with God’s Word and presence. 

In our weakness, God’s strength is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9)! So let’s allow Him to be our strength in our times of weakness so that we may go out and tell others who are weak and in need of God’s strength about the blessings we have through the blood of Jesus Christ!

Father,

Thank you for the gift we have through Jesus and the eternal blessings we have inherited through His sacrifice. Teach us how to walk in humility and establish common ground, even when it seems there is no way. Give us the discernment and wisdom we need to represent you well and share you love with others. Thank you for faithfully loving us, even when we struggle to do and say what is right. May your love and truth be our guide. In Jesus’ name. Amen.