"To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some." 1 Corinthians 9:22 (NIV)

Paul's mission in Athens (Acts 17:16-34) continues to inspire me. Recently, as I reread Luke's account, I realized that Paul builds upon the common ground he and the Athenians share before he shows them how Jesus is the answer to their prayers.

I think we could all take a lesson from Paul on the way we approach our nonbelieving friends and neighbors. Some of us, myself included, have a tendency to look at them and see mainly differences. And boy, do we dwell on those differences, so much so that we can imagine that we have nothing in common with those who still need Jesus.

Paul suggests a better, more biblical way. In meeting with the Athenians, Paul begins by seeking common ground. He points out that both he and the Athenians have spiritual yearnings (vv. 22-23). That is as it should be, he notes, because we are all God's "offspring" (v. 28), created in his image.

You might be surprised to know that we all, Christian and non-Christian, actually have a lot in common. Take couples with young children, for example. We all try to juggle work and home, we all want the best for our kids, and we all want our children to become productive members of society. Or if we're older, maybe we care for ailing parents or worry about saving enough for retirement.

Because we are all are created in God's image, Christians can accentuate the positive. We don't have to dismiss everything our non-Christian friend does simply because he or she isn't a Christian. We can rather praise God that he doesn't leave himself without a witness in the lives of those who need to know Jesus.

— Matt Donnelly, for the ChristianityToday.com staff

Sign up for the Connection Newsletter and receive a new article plus a whole lot more in your inbox every week!

Read more from 'Open Line'