How can we get people to change? We are concerned about changing others for the better. We must understand that the power to change human lives resides ultimately with God and His word. We must not resort to worldly tactics to change others, but on God’s way. But before we get overly concerned about changing others, we need to examine and change ourselves.

If people change, it will be because the Lord enabled it He made it possible for Jews (Acts 5:31) He made it possible for Gentiles (Acts 11:18) The Thessalonians and the Corinthians are amazing examples (1 Thess. 1:9-10; 1 Cor. 6:9-11)

People may be changed with the Power of God’s Word It converts the soul (Psalm 19:7) We must speak it in love (Eph. 4:15, 25) Worldly methods will not bring the desired change “Cunning craftiness” (Ephesians 4:14) Criticism & Complaining Flattery (1 Thess. 2:4-5) Force (1 Thess. 2:6)

Biblical Methods for Effecting Change Present the Truth (Acts 18:24-28) Live the Truth (Acts 20:18-21; 1 Thessalonians 2:9-15; Philippians 2:14-15; 1 Peter 3:1-2) Use appropriate tactics with patience (1 Thessalonians 5:14; Galatians 6:1)

The most important thing we may do to bring about change in another, is to change ourselves! “And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” (Matthew 7:3-5)