The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Job 29:24, “’I smiled on them when they did not believe, And the light of my face they did not cast down.’”

Although there is much in God’s Word to encourage a smile, the expression of a “smile” is first mentioned

in the verse above. Psalm 39:13 uses the word “smile,” and Proverbs 31:25 the word “smiles,” Thus, the

word itself is used in the whole Bible but three times; some versions translate the word as “laugh”; and in others, it does not appear at all.

What Job meant in its context of the above statement is variously debatable among biblical theologians. What I see are basicly two things: one, in evangelism and when witnessing to unbelieving people, it is appropriate to “smile” politely, when they offer what they believe tp be their personal hope. Only today, I was privileged to witness to a young lady who affirmed that she was a Christian. But, when I asked if she were “a born-again Christian,” one who knew Jesus personally, she did not fully understand what I meant. My smile at that time was intended and received as friendly, and with the earnest desire that she might come to know Him.

The second interpretation of the verse, in the context of evangelism, is that the smile shows love, which is the foremost quality required of the believer in his witness to the unbeliever. While I dislike the characterization of a witness for Christ as a “salesman,” the two do indeed possess characteristics alike.

A good salesman knows his product; so does a good witness. The salesman knows the benefit of his product to the one who does not possess it. The same is true of the witness. The salesman shows kindness and admiration toward the potential buyer. So does the witness, except that he is motivated by the love of Jesus Christ.

We’ve all experienced sulleness, snide remarks, and snooty responses to our words regarding Christ Jesus. Once or twice, I’ve experienced outright hatred. The secret to resplying to all unbelievers, regardless of their responses, is to smile graciously and continue to speak positively of Christ’s love and joy.

I spent last night in the hospital with Rose Marie. While I cannot commend hospitals as peaceful and restful accommodation, it is a superb arena for witnessing. Smiles demonstrate confidence in the LORD’s recovery of loved ones. Smiles clear the pathway for talking about the LORD. We have to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and smile with everyone. Doorways for sharing Christ will open, and we will experience the value of a smile.

We love you and pray for the LORD’s open door for your witness of Him,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”