For some reason, that reminded me of how pious or zealous we can get when we are trying to win someone to Christ. Sometimes we just start scratching away at people that may not have an itch. God is always at work planting seeds. The problem is, we don’t always know who is ready to be cultivated. Christ says in Matthew 7:6," Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them and tear you into pieces." OUCH!

Christ doesn’t have to ‘hog-tie’ anyone into relationship with Him. He shows us who He is by peaceful action. We might be wise to follow in His footsteps when we have an occasion to witness.

Proverbs 19:2 warns us," It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way." Don’t get me wrong; I am very passionate to have everyone I know come to love our Lord. I am just saying proceed with caution, as we may turn someone further away.

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt so that you may know how to answer everyone." (Colossians 4:6) Maybe we should pray before we start scratching away at someone who hasn’t an itch! Read 1Thessalonians 2. It is a short chapter on Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica. Verse 7b sums it up…."but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her children." Like a child who has an itch in the middle of their back. They will dance around, rub a wall, and do anything with determination to scratch it themselves. Sooner or later, they will come to you for help.

Dear Almighty God and Father, as we seek to serve and nurture out followers of Jesus, help us to know when it is your will to speak up, and when to be silent. Help us always to let your light shine through us, so those who have an itch, will be able to ask for a scratch. We thank you in advance for an opportunity to have such an itching and scratching take place in our lives. We love you and are honored to be of service for your Kingdom.