A great reminder and challenge

As a Christian, I am interested in sharing the good news with others. This often involves the use of apologetics, a rational defense of Christianity. I came across an interview with Margaret Manning, who is part of the Ravi Zacharias apologetics ministry. She was asked if she had any encouragement for Christians who desire to defend the truth of Christ in our pluralistic world, and any advice she had for skeptics and those who are searching for answers. I thought she did a good job, so I'd like to include it here:

I would encourage Christians to be good listeners first, and speakers second. The epistle  of James encourages Christians to be "quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger." When we truly give people the opportunity to be heard, and when we listen carefully, we can ask the kinds of questions that illuminate the reality, the coherence, and the beauty of the gospel even in a pluralistic world. Jesus was always engaging in conversations in which he asked questions – sometimes without answering them himself – but asking, and allowing the hearer to ponder and reflect on the question. The second thing I would say to encourage Christians is to remember that God is the author and finisher of salvation. We simply bear witness, but God is the one who saves. We can leave that work up to God as we are faithful to sow seeds, water them, and prepare the soil around them. God is the one who harvests! To those who are skeptical about Christian faith, or to those who are seeking, I would encourage you to reflect on the life and ministry of Jesus. Read about him in the four gospel portraits of his life. Continue to ask questions and continue to be open to the ways in which God breaks out of all the categories we try to construct. As author Philip Yancey once wrote in his book Reaching for the Invisible God, remember "that knowledge – of God, people, or anything else – involves uncertainty and demands an act of faith."