The "Handshake"

We all know the simplicity of a handshake—two hands meeting, two hearts agreeing, a quiet yes between souls. But there’s another kind of handshake many have forgotten: the strange, musical greeting of an old-fashioned fax machine. Rare now, almost relics… yet still humming in a few corners of the world. When one machine reaches out, it begins with that soft beep-beep—a call, a nudge, an “Are you there?” Then the other answers with its own curious melody, its way of saying, I’m listening… I’m ready. Only then will the message travel. Only then can anything be received.

Witnessing works the same way. When we share our faith, we’re sending out that first beep-beep—an initial message. But the gospel should never be forced onto someone who hasn’t indicated they’re ready to receive it. If we push ahead without waiting for their “handshake,” the message often won’t land because the person simply isn’t prepared to hear it.

Extending our side of the handshake isn’t enough. True witnessing waits for the other person’s signal—an openness, a question, a moment of trust. Without that, receiving "a bucket of gospel truth" only feels overwhelming.

Witnessing is not a fast, one-and-done task. (I told you; now it’s on you.) It is an expression of friendship, humility, and compassion—a patient walk with someone we genuinely care for. We should cultivate relationships, trust, and genuine concern so their heart becomes receptive to what we hope to share. Anything less isn’t witnessing at all; instead, it’s just self-righteousness disguised as ministry.