Sharing Christ with Your Adult Siblings, Friends and Adult Children
When it comes to sharing Jesus with our grown kids, siblings, or friends, it doesn't take a sermon—it takes seeds. Most of those seeds look like simple, caring-enough-to-reach-out moments.
The Foundation: Relationship First
But before seeds can take root, there has to be soil. That means starting with relationship.
If the relationship is damaged, the first step is to reestablish it. And that begins with humility. If you need to say "I'm sorry," say it. Don't make excuses, don't try to share blame, don't try to justify. Just say:
"I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I value you, I miss you, and I need you in my life."
A simple, honest apology like this reopens the door without demanding anything in return.
And here's the key: leave your hurt feelings and emotions aside. Don't place expectations on how they "should" respond, and don't measure their reaction. This isn't about how they respond—it's about how you respond. Your role is to love, to humble yourself, and to plant seeds. God is the one who changes hearts.
Once relationship is restored, you can build trust. With trust comes open communication. And when the lines of communication are open, hearts are softer and the gospel can be shared—not in denial of sin, but in a loving, caring way with strategy.
Go the Second Mile
Jesus Himself taught this kind of strategy. In His day, Roman soldiers could force you to carry their gear for one mile. Jesus said, "Go with them two." Why? Because the first mile was obligation. The second mile was choice. In the second mile, an enemy could become a friend—and in friendship, hearts can change.
A 30-Day Seed Plan
- Daily (1–2 minutes): Pray their name. "Father, draw them, bless them, open a moment today."
- Weekly (one small touch): If they're nearby: "Hey, I was thinking about you—want to grab lunch or coffee this week?" If they're far away: "Good morning, you crossed my mind today so I just wanted to check in and say hi. How's everything going?"
- Twice this month (a warm, caring check-in): Nearby: "I woke up today thinking about you and wanted to check on you. How are you doing?" Far away: "I'm updating my morning prayer list and of course your name is already on it. Anything new you'd like me to be praying about?"
- Once: Share a 60-second personal story. No preaching—just what Jesus means to you.
- Once: Offer prayer, with permission, around a real need.
- Optional, a gentle invitation: Nearby: "Want to come with me to volunteer?" or "We're having dinner with friends—want to join?" Far away: "If you ever want to talk, just message or call me," or "We could FaceTime—if you'd like me to pray with you, just let me know."
Simple Prayers You Can Pray Over 30 Days
- "Father, draw them to Yourself. Let them feel Your love this week."
- "If they are in despair, Lord, show them You are their hope and the way to joy and peace."
- "Holy Spirit, open the right door for a conversation and give me wisdom when it comes."
- "Lord, I know there is no hope outside of You. Please use the situations in their life today to cause them to call upon You. Open their eyes and their heart to hear Your voice."
What If They Don't Respond to Your Apology?
Don't lose heart.
If they don't respond right away, don't chase or pressure them. Give them space to process. A gentle follow-up later could sound like: "I just wanted to make sure you got my message. I want you to know I meant every word, and I miss you."
If they respond negatively, don't argue, defend, or bring up old hurts. Stay calm and gentle: "I understand. I really am sorry, and I miss you."
If they respond positively, thank them without overexplaining. Acknowledge the healing and extend connection: "Thank you, that means more than you know. I'd love to get together sometime for lunch or coffee—or chat on the phone."
Write It Down
Build relationship, build trust, build communication—and then plant seeds. Go the second mile. That's where hearts open and lives begin to change.
And here's a practical key: write it down. Whether in your phone or on paper, write their name, today's date, and what you did to reach out—a text, a coffee, or a prayer. This makes it real. The Bible says, "Write the vision down" (Habakkuk 2:2). If your heart's desire is to see your loved one come to Christ, treat it like the vision it is—track it, pray over it, and watch how God moves as you stay faithful.
Lord, give us just one more.
Download the printable 30-Day Seed Plan below. Keep it in your Bible, your journal, or on the fridge, and check it off as you go.
