We recently had the privilege of hosting a friend from India, Dr. Anand Kumar. It was his first time visiting the beautiful Pacific Northwest. As we enjoyed an idyllic summer day, we didn’t stay inside and give him a book that tells how a seedling grows into a large evergreen tree. We took him into the countryside and went on a walk surrounded by majestic trees reaching to the sky. We didn’t print out an article on the geological make-up of Mt. Baker. We drove up near the mountain and let him see it in its snow-covered, awe-inspiring beauty. We did more showing than telling.

Those of us who know Jesus are given the privilege and the mission of sharing with others the good news of Christ. We tell people what Jesus has done, but we also show them. We share Biblical facts and information, but we don’t stop there. We share with people the beauty of Christ. That beauty is seen when God’s people live lives of humble service. It is seen when love is sincere, joy is infectious and souls are at peace.

In his book titled Preaching, Timothy Keller wrote: “Preaching cannot simply be accurate and sound. It must capture the listeners’ interest and imaginations; it must be compelling and penetrate to their hearts. … Change happens not just by giving the mind new arguments but also by feeding the imagination new beauties.”

The mission work of Christ involves more than just imparting accurate information. We get to be involved in life transformation. We speak to both people’s minds and their hearts. We strive to present the good news in such a way that it captures people’s imaginations with the wonder and majesty of the Savior.

When Philip told Nathanael they had found the Messiah, Nathanael was skeptical. Philip didn’t enter into an argument. He issued an invitation, “Come and see” (John 1:46). In similar manner we get to invite the world to come and see Jesus.

Dr. Kumar had seen pictures of snow and read about it, but he had never experienced it before. There was some snow by the trail when we went up near the mountain. He got to walk on it and have his feet sink in it. He got to hold it and have a snowball thrown at him. It was a unique and memorable experience.

The love of Jesus is like snow. You don’t know it if all you have done is read about it. You need to grab hold of it and let His love grab hold of you.