nly static could be heard through the headphones. Amidst the confusion, only a few words could be discerned. Quickly the Air Force linguist passed on his information to his superior and, in turn, American soldiers were saved. Effective communication can save lives.

This truth rings just as true in the spiritual world. Proverbs 14:25 says “A truthful witness saves lives ….” Also, the Bible says in Romans 10:14 that people cannot believe unless they have been told the good news of Jesus Christ.

In the realm of communication, both verbal and nonverbal methods are important. Nearly 90 percent of all perceived communication is nonverbal. The book of James discusses the issue of faith and works. James 2:17 makes it clear that faith by itself, without works (action), is dead.

Some of the “works,” that is, good deeds, can be in service to others. Holding doors, carrying groceries or doing unwanted tasks at the office are just a few ways one can serve others to show them Christ. 1 Peter 4:10 calls believers to serve in any way they are fit to show God’s grace.

If an assignment comes up in the office that no one wants to take, would it be a way of serving others to not only take the assignment but to do the task willingly and joyfully?

It could also mean buying a cup of coffee for the person behind you in line at the café or leaving a generous tip with a small note at a restaurant. If God has blessed us with money, we in turn should bless those around us.

It is written in Ephesians 4:29 to speak “… only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

How can those who are outside of Christ be built up? What are the needs of those that you run into at stores, at the office or on the street?

Those outside of the salvation of Jesus Christ need exactly that: Jesus Christ. Proverbs 18:21 says that the tongue has the power to give life. If Christ is life then the tongue has the power to proclaim who Christ is and the love he has for us.

If you see someone at your office who is having a bad day, words of encouragement can show them that someone cares. You can be encouraging just by saying “hello” to the clerk at a local grocery store or someone you see while walking your dog.

Even a nod and a wave or a smile and a handshake can show warmth from one person to another. This warmth comes from a knowledge of who God is and his love for his people.

People can see the love of God by the way believers in Christ love and serve one another. Jesus said in John 13:35, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

The way the Bible tells us to treat one another in Christ is unusual in today’s society. We are called to count each other as more important than ourselves, to serve each other completely with joyful submission. In a society of immediate and self-gratification, the love of Christ between Christians is a powerful light.

We are commanded to let our light shine before men so that others may see our good works and in turn give glory to the Father in heaven. We can show that light to those around us who are strangers in a restaurant watching and listening as we pray before we eat, or to co-workers who see us participating in a Bible study before work or on a lunch hour or recognize we are listening to Christian music while at work.

Wearing a Christian t-shirts or jewelry can show the message of the cross to those who do not know. Also, this can lead to spiritual conversations where the message of the Gospel can be preached.

Who can believe if they do not know? How can they know if it is not preached? How can it be preached if no one goes? The “Great Commission” in Mark 16:15 is for all those who believe. We are commanded to go out and share the news of Jesus Christ with everyone.

We cannot always use words, but our willing service of others and display of love for one another can show others that there is something else to believe, something else to know. Wearing a t-shirt or jewelry creates an opening to discuss the meaning and can yield great fruit.

How can someone love if they do not know love? If the love of Christ is in our hearts and we let it shine in our words and deeds, they will know.