Sharing the Gospel During the LNY Season
Lunar New Year is a festive season that many, especially the younger ones, enjoy. After all, what’s there to complain about when every household visited means additional “ang paos”? As alluded to in last week’s sermon introduction, it is the adults who feel the pinch because they are the ones blessing the younger ones. As I reflected on my attitude regarding the Lunar New Year, I realised it is filled with mixed emotions.
On one hand, I dread the hectic nature of the day, shuttling from one relative’s home to another. Moreover, there is an unspoken pressure to ensure that my four young children behave appropriately, especially when visiting distant relatives.
On the other hand, there’s a desire to reconnect with relatives I rarely see, particularly in light of recent losses and health concerns within the extended family. These events serve as poignant reminders of life’s brevity and the festive season is an opportune time to meet up and be intentional in reaching each person for Christ.
Be Prepared to Be Uncomfortable
Traditionally, family gatherings often see each generation sticking together. While there is nothing wrong in doing so, I am convicted to break this norm and spend time with each generation.
However, doing so means that I have to embrace discomfort. Conversing with older relatives means I have to struggle with dialect or endure a barrage of well-intended questions, even if it is draining. Furthermore, I do not enjoy it when my family and I are in the spotlight of the table conversation.
With the younger generation, I will have to pluck up the courage to enter into their space. It may mean sitting awkwardly amid their gaming sessions before my presence is finally acknowledged. I would have to fight off the urge to walk off when I get too uncomfortable. And if the opportunity for conversations arises, I will choose not to be deterred when there are only one-word replies.
Be Ready for Deeper Conversations
Before visiting a relative, I would make it a point to get the latest update from my parents or in-laws. This helps me to think through possible conversation starters, or to be sensitive about certain topics. In engaging with the relative, I would also be mindful not to stop at informative questions (i.e. What subjects are you taking?) but move on to questions that allow me to understand their motivations (i.e. What led you to this decision?). To know them even deeper, I can ask affective questions (i.e. how do you feel about it?). Through deeper conversations, I get to show my care and concern.
Be Courageous to Share Christ
After enduring the discomfort and/or having deeper conversations, there may be opportunities for us to build gospel bridges or to share the gospel. Some may find it helpful to share indirectly. We can do so by sharing an ongoing struggle. This not only opens the door to sharing how we experience God’s comfort, but more importantly, we also open up opportunities for others to share theirs. We can then pray for them. There may also be direct opportunities to defend the gospel (1 Peter 3:15). However, we should be mindful not just to share apologetics, but also be ready to share a recent testimony of how God had worked in our lives.
In this season, let us continue to pray for gospel opportunities. May the Holy Spirit make us sensitive and give us the boldness to witness to our family and friends as we meet them during this festive season.
By Assistant Pastor Samuel Lin