Do you have any suggestions to help bring our loved ones to Christ?

How I rejoice that you asked this question! Imagine what would happen if everyone had this heartfelt desire this summer? What a glorious summer we’d have!

I think witnessing to our family is one of the hardest challenges we face. They’ve seen your ups and your downs. They’ve seen the before and after. “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, ‘With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.’ ” (Matthew 19:26).

Here are six things I want to challenge you with for your summer vacations with family:

Put yourself in their shoes. Perhaps they know your shortcomings. And perhaps you’ve not lived a changed life around them. Why not start a conversation with, “Will you please forgive me? I’ve given my heart to Jesus Christ and yet I haven’t lived the Christian life as I should have around you.”

Love them especially in the small things. Take the trash out. Make up the bed. Pick up their dishes. Run an errand. Give them a little present. Become a servant to them (Matthew 23:11).

Tell them how much you appreciate them. Every person has some good qualities. Find them and brag on them (read 1 Peter 2:17).

Be willing to suffer if necessary to bring them to Jesus (read 1 Peter 2:21). If you live for Jesus in an ungodly world, you’re going to suffer even when you are thoughtful and considerate of others.

Refuse to nag them about Jesus. You don’t leave them to themselves, but instead love them to Jesus (read 1 Peter 2:22-24).

Soak your unsaved loved ones in prayer. God will hear your prayers. Pray before you go. Pray while you’re with them. Pray after you leave. Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Now, let me tell you what is going to happen. A crisis is going to come. And they’re going to ask, “What makes you tick? Tell me about the hope that survives a crisis such as this?” Then you’ll have the divine occasion of heaven to tell them about Jesus the greatest Love worth finding!