How much influence do you have? Most of us have much more than we realize. We might not win first place in a door-to-door vacuum cleaner contest but what we say and do matters a great deal.

Those who trust us listen to our opinions and will strongly consider our advice. Will we use the power of persuasion to lead others to a personal relationship with the Lord? Paul considered every meeting to be a divine appointment and witnessed of God’s saving grace.

“And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, ‘Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.^‘  But Paul said, ‘I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.  For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.^‘ And Agrippa said to Paul, ‘In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?’ And Paul said, ‘Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains (Acts 26:24-29 ESV).”

Friendly persuasion isn’t arm twisting. It is the story of forgiveness lovingly shared with others.