As followers of Jesus, we take seriously his command to love our neighbors. The command is easy to remember, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” but practically speaking, how do we love our neighbors and help them connect with Jesus? Enter the BLESS Practices.
The BLESS Practices are a series of practical ways you can begin to love and serve your neighbors, friends, co-workers, or relatives who don’t have a relationship with Jesus. Together, the steps form an acrostic for the word "bless".
Pray for people who do not yet know Jesus. Pray that God would prepare your life as well as theirs. Ask God, “How do you want to grow and use me to bless the people in the places where you have sent me?”
Listen to the Spirit. Listen for evidence of God’s work in people’s lives. Ask questions that invite others to tell their stories, reveal their hearts, and help them discover the truth of who God is.
Share meals, coffee, and life with people who do not yet know Jesus.
Be attentive to the opportunities God gives you to care for people and attend to their needs.
Once you build a relationship and earn trust, look for ways to share a story of how Jesus has transformed or is transforming your life and the world.