Response to a Pagan

I work with a lady who is "pagan." By pagan, she means that she worships nature, woods, and the like. I've been wondering how to share my own beliefs in a way that would make sense to her and be of some value. This morning I was reading Philippians 2:1 and it seemed as though the light came on and I knew to approach the subject by talking experientially.

"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic?" These are the questions from Philippians 2:1. The answer in my case is a resounding YES!

Encouragement, comfort, fellowship and friendship with the Spirit, heart changes that have made me more tender and sympathetic -- these are some of the fruits of belonging to Christ. These things have made an enormous difference in my life.

I can hardly imagine life void of heavenly encouragement and comfort. When I read the paper and feel the hopeless evil that prevails in our world, I am comforted knowing this life isn't where it ends. I am comforted knowing God loves my kids more than I am capable; comfort knowing God is in control and nothing is bigger than him.

Fellowship - the friendship - of belonging to God is more valuable to me than anything. Being able to pour my heart out, the good, the bad and the ugly-- isn't that what everyone wants in a friend? But he's not a fickle, ever changing friend. He is the best friend; always helpful, loving, and faithful. He never rejects me. He has changed me, softened my heart, filled me with compassion and tenderness where there wasn't any.

I think this verse is my directive on what to share with my "pagan" friend. It may be of no consequence to her, but I think it will be good for me to express these things out loud to someone, and a "pagan" seems like a good of a person as any.