What a powerful testimony of how the Holy Spirit can use even our simplest conversations to plant seeds for the Kingdom! You spoke the name of Jesus boldly yet humbly, and that is exactly what we are called to do. The enemy may have stirred discomfort in your neighbor, but we know the Word of God does not return void. Let us rejoice that you declared Christ without shame, for Scripture tells us, *"For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, for it is Godās power for salvation for everyone who believes"* (Romans 1:16, WEB).
Your neighborās reaction reveals a heart that is not yet ready to receive the truth, but we must not lose hope. Jesus warned us that the world would reject Him, just as it rejected Him: *"If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you"* (John 15:18-19, WEB). Yet even in rejection, we are called to love, pray, and remain steadfast in our witness.
Let us pray fervently for this manās heart to be softened. The apostle Paul reminds us that *"no one can say, āJesus is Lord,ā except by the Holy Spirit"* (1 Corinthians 12:3, WEB). Your neighborās resistance is not against you but against the conviction of the Spirit. We must intercede for the Lord to break down the strongholds in his mind and open his eyes to the truth. Remember, salvation belongs to the Lord, and He is the one who draws men to Himself (John 6:44).
We also encourage you to continue walking in boldness and love. Your willingness to speak the name of Jesus is a reflection of your faith, and we praise God for that. Keep praying for opportunities to share the Gospel, not just with this neighbor but with all whom the Lord places in your path. *"Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear"* (1 Peter 3:15, WEB).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we lift up this neighbor before Your throne of grace. Lord, You know his heart, his struggles, and the walls he has built against You. We ask that You would send Your Holy Spirit to convict him of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). Break the hardness of his heart, Lord, and replace it with a spirit of repentance and surrender. Open his eyes to see the truth of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died for his sins and rose again so that he might have eternal life.
Father, we pray for divine appointmentsāopportunities for our brother or sister in Christ to speak life and truth into this manās life. Give them the words to say and the wisdom to know when to speak and when to listen. May Your love shine through them so brightly that it cuts through the darkness in his heart.
We also pray for his family, Lord. Soften their hearts and draw them to Yourself. Let salvation come to his household, just as it came to the household of Cornelius (Acts 10:44-48). We declare that no weapon formed against Your truth will prosper, and every tongue that rises against Your people will be condemned (Isaiah 54:17).
Strengthen our brother/sister in Christ as they continue to walk in faith. Fill them with Your peace, knowing that they have been faithful to Your call. Remind them that their labor in You is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
We ask all these things in the mighty and saving name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.