Sharing Biblical Truths with Struggling Believers Effectively
Sharing biblical truths with struggling believers effectively involves a combination of gentle communication, practical support, and a focus on the comforting aspects of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul, for instance, emphasized the importance of reminding believers of core truths while cautioning against contentious arguments that lead to ruin [2]. This approach underscores the need for discernment in how and what truths are communicated, especially to those experiencing difficulties.
One foundational aspect of ministering to struggling believers is recognizing God's presence and support in their affliction. The Psalms and prophetic books frequently highlight God as a refuge and strength for the afflicted, promising comfort and preservation [1]. For example, Psalm 46:5,7 states that "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns," and Isaiah 43:2 assures, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you" [1]. These passages offer direct biblical assurance of divine companionship during hardship. Similarly, Christ is depicted as being with and supporting those who struggle, offering comfort and preservation [1]. John 14:18 records Jesus' promise, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you," and Matthew 11:28-30 invites, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" [1]. These scriptural affirmations provide a basis for encouraging believers that they are not alone in their struggles.
Effective communication of these truths requires a gentle and understanding demeanor. The author of Hebrews notes that a high priest is "able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and led astray, since he himself also is surrounded by weakness" [4]. This principle suggests that those ministering to struggling believers should approach them with empathy, acknowledging their own human frailties. John Gill, in his commentary on Ephesians 6:22, highlights Paul's concern for the churches, sending Tychicus "that ye might know our affairs... and that he might comfort your hearts" [6]. This demonstrates a pastoral concern not only for the spiritual state but also for the emotional well-being of believers, aiming to alleviate disconsolation caused by "indwelling sin" or other difficulties [6].
The content of the message itself is crucial. The "Gospel of Christ" is described as the "doctrine of grace, life, and salvation by Christ" [7]. When sharing with struggling believers, the focus should be on these glad tidings, emphasizing Christ's role as the author of salvation [12]. The "unsearchable riches of Christ" are a central theme of the Gospel, as Paul preached to the Gentiles [3]. These riches encompass the comfort, support, and deliverance that Christ offers [1]. For instance, Revelation 3:10 speaks of Christ delivering believers from the hour of trial, and Isaiah 63:9 mentions His preservation [1]. Highlighting these aspects can provide hope and reassurance.
Beyond verbal communication, practical support and fellowship are integral to sharing biblical truths effectively. The Apostle John encourages believers to "support such people, so that we become fellow workers with the truth" [5]. This implies that tangible assistance and companionship are part of upholding and propagating the Gospel [9]. John Gill interprets this as receiving preachers of the word, entertaining them, and supplying their needs, thereby becoming "fellow helpers to the truth" [9]. This principle extends to all struggling believers, suggesting that practical acts of care reinforce the message of God's love and provision. The early church's practice of "distributing to the necessity of saints" is another example of practical support, recognizing that those in need, especially "of the household of faith," should be relieved [10]. This communal care demonstrates the truth of the Gospel in action, glorifying God through acts of liberality and thankfulness [7].
It is also important to avoid contentious and unprofitable discussions. Paul's instruction to Timothy to "avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin" [2] serves as a vital caution. While biblical truth is paramount, the manner of its presentation, especially to those in distress, should prioritize edification and comfort over theological disputes that may further burden or confuse. The "mysteries or doctrines of the Gospel" are "plain to him that understandeth," meaning those whose understanding is "enlightened by the Spirit of God" [8]. For those who are struggling, a focus on foundational truths and comforting assurances may be more beneficial than complex theological debates.
The suffering of believers, including apostles like Paul, can also serve as a point of connection and encouragement. Paul endured "imprisonment and bonds" for the sake of the Gospel, particularly for his ministry to the Gentiles [11]. His steadfastness in suffering, and the knowledge that Christ was with him, can be a source of strength for others [1]. The example of Christ himself, who suffered and yet offers rest to the weary, provides a model for enduring hardship with faith [1]. Therefore, sharing testimonies of God's faithfulness through trials, both from scripture and personal experience, can be a powerful way to convey biblical truth to those who are struggling.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflicted Saints — God is with -- Ps 46:5,7; Isa 43:2. God is a refuge and strength to -- Ps 27:5,6; Isa 25:4; Jer 16:19; Na 1:7. God comforts -- Isa 49:13; Jer 31:13; Mt 5:4; 2Co 1:4,5; 7:6. God preserves -- Ps 34:20. God delivers -- Ps 34:4,19; Pr 12:13; Jer 39:17,18. Christ is with -- Joh 14:18. Christ supports -- 2Ti 4:17; Heb 2:18. Christ comforts -- Isa 61:2; Mt 11:28-30; Lu 7:13; Joh 14:1; 16:33. Christ preserves -- Isa 63:9; Lu 21:18. Christ delivers -- Re 3:10. Should praise God -- Ps 13:5,6; 56:8-10; 57:6,7; 71:20-23. Should imitate Christ -- Heb 12:1-3; 1P”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 2:14 (BSB) — Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.”
- Ephesians “Ephesians 3:8 (BSB) — Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 5:2 (LEB) — being able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and led astray, since he himself also is surrounded by weakness,”
- III John “III John 1:8 (LEB) — Therefore we ought to support such people, so that we become fellow workers with the truth.”
- Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 6:22: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose,.... Which shows the great concern the apostle had for the churches, being willing to inform them of everything that might be for their use and service: that ye might know our affairs; temporal and spiritual, and not only the apostle's affairs, but the affairs of those that were with him, who were concerned in the same common cause: and that he might comfort your hearts; both by such a relation, and by the ministry of the Gospel to them: believers in Christ are sometimes disconsolate, by reason of indwelling sin, S”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 9:13: Whiles by the experiment of this ministration,.... That is, the poor saints at Jerusalem having a specimen, a proof, an experience of the liberality of the Gentile churches ministered to them by the apostles, first, they glorify God; by giving thanks unto him, acknowledging him to be the author of all the grace and goodness which they, and others, were partakers of; particularly for your professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel of Christ is the doctrine of grace, life, and salvation by Christ, of which he is the author, as God, the subject m”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 8:9: They are all plain to him that understandeth,.... Whose understanding is enlightened by the Spirit of God; who is a spiritual man, that has a discerning, and can judge of spiritual things: as for the carnal man, let him have what natural knowledge or wisdom he will, he cannot know these things; for they are spiritually discerned, and can only be discerned by spiritual men. The Bible is a sealed book to others, learned or unlearned; the mysteries or doctrines of the Gospel are hid in parables from such; but those to whom Christ has given an understanding to know him, ”
- 3 John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 3 John 1:8: We therefore ought to receive such,.... We who are Jews, that have believed in Christ, for such an one Gaius, it seems, as well, as the apostle, were, ought to receive such preachers of the word into our houses, and entertain them cheerfully, while they continue, and supply them with all necessaries when they depart: that we might be fellow helpers to the truth; that is, to the Gospel, and the propagation of it in the world: some are helpers to it, in preaching of it, by making use of the ministerial gifts bestowed upon them; and others are fellow helpers with them, ”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 12:13: Distributing to the necessity of saints,.... Or "communicating", as many versions render the word; "distributing" more properly belongs to the officers of the church, the deacons, and communicating to the members of it in common. All men in general are to be relieved that are in want, even our very enemies, and particularly such as are our own flesh and blood, nearly related to us, aged parents, &c. and especially they that are of the household of faith, here called "saints"; and indeed, such only come under the care and notice of a church: and they are such, whom Go”
- 2 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Timothy 1:12: For the which cause I also suffer these things,.... The present imprisonment and bonds in which he now was; these, with all the indignities, reproaches, distresses, and persecutions, came upon him, for the sake of his being a preacher of the Gospel; and particularly for his being a teacher of the Gentiles: the Jews hated him, and persecuted him, because he preached the Gospel, and the more because he preached it to the Gentiles, that they might be saved; and the unbelieving Gentiles were stirred up against him, for introducing a new religion among them, to the dest”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 4:2: For unto us was the Gospel preached,.... The Gospel is the good news and glad tidings of salvation by Christ; and this may be said to be preached, when men preach not themselves, nor read lectures of morality, nor mix law and Gospel together, nor make justification and salvation to be by works, nor set persons to make their peace with God, or get an interest in Christ; but when they preach Christ and salvation alone by him; and so it was preached to the Hebrews, and that more fully, and with more clearness, power, and success than formerly; and which is a privilege an”