Common Ground – Greg Laurie Devotion – May 21, 2026

Biblical Context

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul, likely around 55 AD, during his third missionary journey. He was in Ephesus when he wrote this letter to the church he started in Corinth, a major Roman city known for its wealth, trade, and unfortunately, its moral looseness. The Corinthian church faced many issues, including divisions, immorality, legal disputes among believers, and questions about spiritual gifts, marriage, and worship. Paul’s letter aims to correct these problems and teach the believers how to live as followers of Christ in a challenging culture. Chapter 9 specifically deals with Paul’s rights as an apostle, and how he chose to give up certain freedoms (like financial support) to better serve the gospel and avoid putting any obstacle in the way of people hearing about Jesus. He talks about adapting his approach, becoming “all things to all people,” to win as many as possible to Christ.

Key Word Study

Let’s look at the word “weakness” from our main verse. In the Greek, the word is astheneia (ἀσθένεια). This word doesn’t just mean physical illness or a lack of strength, though it can. More broadly, it means a state of helplessness, infirmity, or a general lack of power. When Paul says he shares in the weakness of the weak, he’s not pretending to be sick. He’s putting himself in a position of vulnerability and understanding. He’s choosing to identify with people’s human limitations, their struggles, their doubts, and their feeling of not being enough. It’s about meeting people where they are, acknowledging their frailties, and stepping into their world without judgment, so he can bring them the strength of Christ.

Finding Common Ground in Today’s World

Our world is full of people who believe in something higher, but many don’t like to call themselves “religious.” That word just has too many bad meanings for them. So, instead, they choose a different word: “spiritual.” You’ll often hear someone say they’re “very spiritual” and then quickly add, “But I’m not into organized religion.”

A Doorway to Gospel Conversation

These kinds of statements can actually be a great way to start talking about Jesus. As believers, you can say, “Really? I’m a spiritual person, too. In fact, I’m really into spiritual things, and I want to talk to you about an important spiritual truth I’ve discovered.” This isn’t a trick; it’s a way to connect.

It’s Not Compromise, It’s Connection

Some people might think this sounds like you’re giving in or agreeing with a worldly point of view. But that’s not what’s happening here. It’s not a compromise to simply acknowledge what someone believes, even if you don’t agree with their exact belief. Instead, it’s simply about using language they understand. You’re building a bridge so you can have a real conversation about your relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s about finding that common ground, a place where the other person feels comfortable talking and is more likely to listen to the gospel message.

Paul’s Example in Athens

The apostle Paul showed us how this works when he spoke to the people in Athens. He said, “I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about” (Acts 17:22–23 nlt). Paul didn’t walk in and tell them they were all wrong. He started with what he saw and what they already believed.

Meeting People Where They Are

Notice that Paul didn’t say, “Hey, what you’re doing is legit.” He wasn’t saying their other gods were real. But he also didn’t make fun of their unusual altar or try to correct every detail of their beliefs right away. He simply used words and ideas that the people of Athens could grasp to connect with them about his most important message: Jesus. Paul understood something every believer needs to get: Sharing your faith is a dialogue, not a monologue. You ask a question, and the other person gives you an answer. Then you respond to what they said. They say something, and you say something back. It’s a real conversation.

Embracing Paul’s Heart for Evangelism

This is exactly what Paul was talking about when he wrote, “When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings” (1 Corinthians 9:22–23 nlt). He wasn’t just talking about abstract ideas; he was living out this principle every day.

The Help You Need

Finding common ground with everyone seems like a huge task, doesn’t it? It’s a good thing the Holy Spirit is with us every step of the way, helping us know what to say and how to say it. It’s also a good thing that the first step in finding that common ground requires you to do nothing more than listen. Just listen to what people are saying, what they care about, and where their struggles are. That’s often where the connection starts, and that’s where the Holy Spirit can start working through you to point them to Jesus.