It’s been going on for awhile now. The lines are drawn. Social media relationships have been blocked or unfriended. The Sanctity of Life has unfortunately been a divisive topic for a long time–way before this election year. But the God who values life values relationships, too.
How do you keep peace when friends and relatives are not always on the same page?
Here are some easy steps:
1. Pray. Of course, prayer is the first course of action! Ask God to put a hedge of protection around the relationships in your sphere of influence. The evil one who destroys life is more than happy to destroy the bond between parents, children, siblings, and friends.
2. Ask questions. Questions are a powerful tool. Asking questions conveys a sincere interest in others, allowing them to “present their case” first. (Doing so is a helpful strategy for any difficult situation, by the way.) This often prompts a less defensive stance. Plus, when they hear their thoughts out loud it may actually help them to change their own minds!
3. Listen to the answers. You’ve heard St. Francis of Assissi’s famous quote: “O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be understood as to understand.” People want to be heard. When you listen, it means their opinion matters, even if you don’t agree with it. When anyone feels heard, s/he is more likely to listen with an open-mind.
4. Respond in a kind manner. When it is your turn to talk, do so with compassion. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” as Paul encouraged the Colosssians.
Want more ideas? The book Love Unleashes Life, written by Stephanie Gray, is the go-to resource to help you reach people’s minds and hearts on the controversial topic of abortion. Through the use of sample dialogues and proven strategies, Stephanie equips you with the confidence to truly communicate the truth–in love.
Love Unleashes Life was the focus of the St. Mark’s, Geneva, Ohio, AFL July chapter meeting
“Reading Stephanie’s book helped our team establish compassionate and winsome answers to questions our pro-abortion friends may have. We look forward to Gospel-centered conversations that use Gray’s examples as launching points for pro-life conversions,” affirmed Stacie Johnson, Chapter Leader.
Love Unleashes Life is available on Amazon.
Editor’s note: This article was originally printed in AFL’s Real LIFE newsletter. Click here to subscribe to Real LIFE.
