Come and see

Exciting words, inviting words.

Have you ever been talking to someone about something new and exciting in your life? A new car, a new baby, a new anything?

'We just had an addition to our family. Come and see her.'

'I just bought a new ______. Come and take a look at it and we'll go for a drive.'

'We just renovated our kitchen. You've got to come over for coffee and see what we did.'

It's one thing to try to describe this new addition, but at some point words fail, and showing is much better than just telling.

It's more than just an invitation to talk about an idea, but to actually see proof of what you are talking about. It comes from a sense of joy and pride. 'I've got something I really want you to see.'

Don't just take my word for it, come and examine the evidence.

My description doesn't do it justice, come and see for yourself.

I know it seems too good to be true, so come and check it out.

Sometimes it's something that you want them to be able to participate in with you. You want to share your joy.

'I just joined this cool group (gym, quilting club, sports team, choir) and I think you would enjoy being a part of it too. Come and see what it is like.'

Sometimes it isn't quite so warm and fuzzy. You've just had a disaster, and rather than talk about it, you beg your friend to come and see for himself, so you don't need to go into all of the difficult details.

All of these scenarios have a 'God' connection. Sharing good news, showing proof of something wonderful, or inviting a friend to enter into your pain.

• Matthew 28:6 after Jesus' resurrection: 'He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed.'

• John 1:39, 46 referring to Jesus calling His disciples: 'He replied, "Come along and see for yourself." They came, saw where he was living, and ended up staying with him for the day. It was late afternoon when this happened.

  Nathanael said, "Nazareth? You've got to be kidding." But Philip said, "Come, see for yourself.” '

• John 4:29 Jesus talks to the Samaritan woman at the well: ' "Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah?" '

• John 11:34 at the tomb of Lazarus: 'He said, "Where did you put him?" "Master, come and see," they said.'

In every situation, the invitation is there: 'Come and see.'

For us it can become the basis of sharing our faith with someone who doesn't yet know the love of God. In effect we are offering to help them see the goodness of God. He has done great things in us and for us, and we want them to see the results.

Sharing your faith isn't so much arguing or twisting someone's arm, as it is showing them what (Who) you have found.

Don't be scared to invite someone to 'Come and see'. God loves to show His love in tangible, visible ways.