Conversations of Discovery
Four young women, all coming from a non-Christian background, were gathered in a private, calm, homey setting. The atmosphere was warm and relaxed, the kind of environment where honest conversations can unfold. As the evening progressed, the conversation naturally shifted from one topic to another. It moved from light-hearted discussions to more abstract ideas, eventually touching on subjects like energy, science, magic, and other profound concepts that people often seek to understand in the world.
Throughout the discussion, the ACCTS Youth counselor, who had been quietly listening, refrained from delving into these topics. Instead, she spoke cautiously, which sparked the curiosity of the others. They noticed her restraint and became eager to learn more. Their curiosity led them to ask questions about her beliefs and faith, specifically about Christianity.
It was a golden opportunity to gently share her faith. The counselor took a deep breath and began speaking about the foundation of her belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior. She explained how salvation, for her, is not about being perfect but about accepting God’s grace and living a life that reflects His love. “Salvation,” she said softly, “is a deeply personal relationship with God, one that is built on the sacrifice of Jesus, who offers forgiveness to all who believe.”
As she shared these thoughts, the group’s curiosity grew. They asked her about the Christian understanding of sin, salvation, and the afterlife. She patiently answered their questions, making sure to explain that forgiveness is a central theme in Christianity. “Forgiveness isn’t just about seeking peace with God,” she explained, “but it’s also a means of healing our relationships and freeing ourselves from the burden of guilt.”
The conversation continued, and they began to explore the balance between good deeds and bad deeds. The counselor shared that, in Christian belief, good deeds are not a way to earn salvation but rather a natural outpouring of one’s faith and gratitude toward God—a reflection of a transformed heart.
As the questions deepened, the women in the group began to inquire about the differences between Christian and Islamic views on forgiveness and the afterlife. She took the time to explain that Christians believe salvation is a free gift from God, and that good deeds come from a heart that is grateful for God’s grace. She encouraged them to continue questioning and exploring, respecting their beliefs while inviting them to look at other perspectives.
The more she shared, the more intrigued they became. The conversation evolved from simple curiosity to meaningful dialogue. The women started reflecting on their own beliefs and the possibilities that other faiths present. The counselor felt a profound connection with them—not just as someone sharing her faith but as someone walking alongside them on their journey of exploration and understanding.
By the end of the evening, the conversation wasn’t just about answering questions. It became an invitation to explore deeper spiritual truths together. It was a space created for mutual respect and open-mindedness, where everyone could share their perspectives without judgment. Through this exchange, the counselor felt she had planted seeds of curiosity, and perhaps, in time, the seeds of faith as well.
