Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations
October 6, 2025
“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathaniel asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. – John 1:46 (NIV)
Philip had just given Nathaniel great news that they had found the one that Moses had written about. But Nathaniel’s immediate response was negative, focused only on the town Jesus came from. This conversation has echoed through the centuries because most of us carry preconceived ideas and prejudices about others and places. Like Nathaniel, we often filter what we see and hear through our social frameworks and pass judgment before we ever interact with others.
Philip was more levelheaded. He merely said, “Come and see”. He knew that once Nathaniel met Jesus, his prejudices would melt and he would be a changed man. Indeed, after Nathaniel met Jesus, he was never the same.
Are you more like Nathaniel or more like Philip? Are you the one with the negative attitude or the one who invites others to come and see Jesus? I must confess, sometimes I have been the negative one. I’ve judged sin before seeing the person. But that is not the way of Jesus, and that should not be our way either. Was I perfect before I met Christ? Heavens no. So why do I judge others and expect them to be perfect?
As we interact and seek to share the gospel with Muslims, are we seeing them as Christ does—as lost sheep without a shepherd? Or is there too much baggage clouding our eyes and hearts? Jesus came for the lost, and that includes Muslims just as much as it included you and me before we came to faith in Jesus. How dare I ignore or push a lost sheep away!
As we enter the fall season, I want to challenge you to invite a Muslim friend or coworker to join you and your family for a trip to an apple orchard, a pumpkin patch, or simply walk through a park of splendid autumn colors. Perhaps you could gather around a cheery bonfire or do another activity you both enjoy. Whatever it might be, pray that it will allow you to pray with them and share a simple Bible story. Perhaps the one about Philip and Nathaniel, or another one that demonstrates a life transformed by an encounter with Jesus.
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