If we want to reach somebody, whether they are our kids, our neighbors, our family, our coworkers, or anybody else, we must remember this truth:

People don’t care about what we know, until they know that we care.

Here’s an example.

What is a television show you absolutely love? Take a second and bring it to your mind. Once you have it in mind, answer this question; What was the opening line in the 3rd episode of the 2nd season? If you’re like me, you’re thinking “I have no clue.” I thought we loved the show? We do, but that doesn’t mean we remember everything that was said. We loved the show because of how it made us feel.

People won’t remember everything we say, but they will remember how we made them feel.

These thoughts were shared with me when I got into ministry and I’ve found them to be true. Sometimes we try to reach others by sharing what we know, but our lack of relationship keeps people from genuinely hearing what we are saying. People aren’t interested in what we know, until they know we are interested in them.

Teacher, they won’t remember everything you said in class, but they will remember how you treated them.

Parents, they won’t remember every rule or direction you shared, but they will remember how you loved and supported them.

Preacher, they won’t remember every point of your sermon, but they will remember how you interacted with them.

Shepherd, they won’t remember every nugget of wisdom you shared, but they will remember when you were there for them.

We love Jesus. We don’t remember every word He has said (although we try and grow in this area), but we could never forget how He has made us feel by what He’s done for us. When it comes to reaching others, we have to speak the truth of Jesus at some point in the process. However, if we haven’t shown an interest in them by sharing mercy, love, and encouragement, it likely won’t matter what we say.

Let us show others that we care and see how they open up to what we know.

God bless!