Don’t Give a Sermon…

Not long ago, I read a phrase that said: “Don’t give a sermon to someone who needs a hug.”
Although it was written from a secular perspective, it carries a deeply meaningful truth that also applies to Christianity.

Many times, when someone approaches the church for the first time, they’re not looking for a conference or a sermon about their mistakes or failures. They come with a heavy heart, with questions, with wounds, and with a quiet hope of finding refuge. In those moments, what they need most is not judgment, but a hug that reflects the love of God—a gesture of comfort, empathy, and genuine welcome.

It’s true that as Christians, we desire—and are called—to live in a way that pleases God and obeys His Word. But we must remember that when a person decides to draw near to Him, an inner transformation has already begun. By opening their heart, they make room for the Holy Spirit, who alone is able to produce true, deep, and lasting change. Our role is not to force immediate transformation, but to walk alongside that person with humility, patience, and love.

Moreover, as the church, our responsibility is not simply to correct, but to love, serve, and build others up. To build doesn’t mean to impose, but to inspire—through our example, our words, and above all, our compassion. Only God can touch and renew a heart; we are simply instruments that can guide, encourage, and reflect the grace we ourselves have received.

As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to pray for others, to lift up the broken, to listen without judgment, and to extend a gentle hand. Because many times, the first step toward faith doesn’t begin with a sermon, but with someone who was willing to offer a hug.