Imagine you are in your local supermarket and you walk up to a display that features a new kind of shoe polish. A salesperson grabs your attention and says, "This miracle of modern science will bring a rich luster to dull leather. It's so good that everyone will notice the difference and want to know what you're using. Sure, it costs more, but you really can't afford not to buy it."

Up to this point you've been patient. But then you notice something that causes you to say, "I'm sure you believe in your fancy wax. But from what I can see, your shoe polish doesn't work any better than the brand I usually buy. If what you're selling is so great, why don't your shoes shine brighter than mine?"

Our efforts to interest people in the gospel are sometimes just as unconvincing. All too often we ask them to trust Christ as their Savior and be willing to pay the high price of following Him, but we fail to give them visible evidence that Christ makes a difference in our lives.

How do we establish a credible witness? One way is to love our enemies and not just our friends. We can also show kindness when it's not expected or deserved. By the Holy Spirit's power, we can demonstrate that following Christ is well worth the higher price.  — Mart De Haan