There is often something personal driving a dismissal of the gospel. Two of the most common objections are, ‘If there is a God, then why is there so much suffering in the world?’ and ‘How could a loving God send anyone to hell?’ Before we jump in and give theological responses, we should consider that we may be talking to someone who, behind the scenes, is hurting.
Have they been victims of abuse? Have they witnessed first-hand some form of suffering? Have they just lost a loved one and are feeling the pain of that separation? There could be a variety of issues driving their objection. Tread carefully as you seek to prayerfully and carefully turn their objection into an opportunity for the gospel.
Empathy
Someone once said, ‘We have two ears and one mouth, so we must listen twice as much as we talk.’ Listen to what they say and be careful not to sound argumentative or clinical in your response.
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