A Biblical Way to Share Biblical Truth

Ever wonder who's winning? 

Recently, I’ve had a handful of videos recommended to me that present Christian debaters outsmarting their atheist opponents. I admit there's a certain excitement in seeing my beliefs so well defended, and I often notice fellow believers reposting these videos for the world to see. I can relate to their eagerness to express our cause in a way that feels victorious.

This said, I can’t help but notice how these videos tend to end. The Christian debater delivers their final line, and their “opponent” storms off, often with a look of disappointment. While the argument was “won,” that doesn’t mean the person was “won over,” and I wonder if our excitement for victory sometimes overshadows our sensitivity for the lost.

Of course, then it bounces right back: “If we lead with love, then where do we introduce truth?” In the absence of a clear approach, many succumb to the opposite temptation; staying safe in a circle of fellow believers, and letting more “extroverted” or “educated” peers take the lead. This “all-or-nothing” mentality doesn’t seem healthy and misses the bigger picture.   

The reality is that we are all called to make disciples of “all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This calling doesn’t come from a place of swagger or fear, but rather from a consideration and invitation of Jesus’ wisdom. As He Himself reminds us in the very next verse: “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (v. 20).

So… what if we flipped this? What if we explored how Jesus navigated this in His earthly ministry? To consider the biblical way to communicate biblical truth? Through the story of the Samaritan woman in John 4, here are three takeaways on how we share our faith and equip our students to do the same:

1. Entering with Encouragement

Right from the start, we see Jesus make a unique request: “A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give me a drink.’” (John 4:7). Though it may seem odd at first, this first interaction carries deep meaning. Here was a woman part of a culture that the Jews viewed as spiritually corrupt (v. 9), as well as personally practiced sin through repeated unfaithfulness to her spouses (v. 18). If there was anyone Jesus could have offered judgment or indifference towards, she was easily near the top of that list.

However, in making His request, Jesus displays a willingness not only to acknowledge the woman but also to recognize her worth in seeking her help. It shifts their dynamic from “enemy to enemy” to “person to person.” This inspires a noticeable openness in the woman’s questions moving forward, which Jesus is more than happy to answer. 

Incorporating this value today means entering our conversations with an attitude of encouragement. So often, we are excited or intimidated by the ideals a person represents that we don’t consider what brought them to that place. What if a person claims to be an “atheist” because they felt hurt by a church member? What if a person struggles with their gender or sexuality because they hunger for community? By meeting them in the middle of their hurt or questions, we can then introduce the healing and clarity that comes from our Savior.

2. Building Bridges to Truth

The chapter continues with the Samaritan woman asking Jesus several questions. Without fail, Jesus answers each one, but does so in a way that points to a deeper truth. When asked why He, a Jew, would ask her for water, He hints at the “living water” He has come to offer the world (v. 10). When asked if He is greater than their common ancestor Jacob, Jesus describes the power of His “living water” to offer eternal life (vv. 13-14).

As this back-and-forth continued, I was reminded of a principle I learned in an improv class. Whenever creating a scene with another actor, you never want to reply with a “No/Because,” but rather a “Yes/And.” For example, if your fellow actor is pretending to lift something heavy, you don’t respond with, “No, because your arms are clearly too skinny to lift that,” but instead something like, “Yes, and let me help you hold that up before you topple over.” While both statements have the element of truth, one shuts down the scene, while the other builds on it.

A similar value is echoed in Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman. He never shuts her down; instead, He expands her worldview. From telling her she “is right” in saying she has no husband (v. 17), to affirming her curiosity with the promise that everyone can soon worship God “in spirit and truth” (v. 23). We have an opportunity to expand people’s impressions of faith, be it building off their bits of truth, or affirming the place their perspective is coming from. Adopting a “Yes/And” attitude enables both sides of the conversation to be heard, leading to our third point: 

3. Grounding an Invitation in God 

Near the end, the Samaritan woman shares, “‘I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am he’” (vv. 25-26). The Samaritan woman, inspired by Jesus’ proclamation, goes out to her community to share the Good News (vv. 28-29). Meanwhile, Jesus’ disciples, who had just returned from their travels, are described in this way: “They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, ‘What do you seek?’ or ‘Why are you talking with her?’” (v. 27).

Throughout this exchange, Jesus has been breaking down the stereotypes shared by the woman and disciples to offer the clearest possible picture of God’s heart. His final proclamation isn’t crushing a counterpoint, but is a call for consideration. It’s phrased in such a way that’s unapologetic, yet empathetic, connecting the woman’s struggles to the story of her Savior.

I’m reminded of Jesus’ words in another passage: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). Our invites don’t have to dance around the truth, but are always meant to lead to the way, truth, and life. It’s the difference between sharing “for” God, and engaging that person “with” God. 

Circling back to where we started, we never have to approach our conversations, students, or ministry alone. We have a Savior who saved us, sustains us, and supports us every step of the way. By considering His example and receiving His presence, we can then truly invite the people around us to do the same.

Share your thoughts with others in our YM360 community:

1. What’s a situation you or your students might be tempted to reply with a “No/Because”? What could it look like to reply with a “Yes/And” instead?
2. Where do you or your students feel tempted to do things “for” God instead of “with” God? What could a practical shift look like to do life together with Him?