Share God’s Love with Others
Proverbs 11:30
St. John’s United Church of Christ
Greeley, Colorado
January 25, 2026
Rev. Juvenal Cervantes
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30
Introduction
Three months ago, we began worship services at Brookdale Assisted Living. Our time together is always interactive. I generally ask, “What are you thankful for today?” Invariably, a resident named Donna responds, “I am grateful for my salvation in Jesus Christ.” Donna cherishes her salvation above all things. What do you value more in life?
Wisdom in Scripture is not measured by intelligence, education, or wealth. Biblical wisdom is measured by alignment with God’s heart. And God’s heart has always been for people.
In one short sentence, Solomon reveals heaven’s definition of wisdom: winning souls.
Today we will discover:
What it means to win souls
Why soul-winning is wisdom
How every believer can win souls
1. What Does It Mean to Win Souls?
The phrase “wins souls” does not mean manipulation, arguments, or pressure. The Hebrew word for wins means to capture, to influence, to draw.
Soul-winning is:
Bringing people into a right relationship with God
Pointing others to Christ through word and life
Being used by God to turn hearts toward salvation
Jesus said:
“The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)
When we win souls, we join Jesus in His mission.
2. Soul-Winning Is the Fruit of the Righteous
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life…”
Fruit is natural, not forced. A righteous life produces visible results. Your life preaches before your mouth does. Your character opens doors for your testimony. Your love makes the gospel believable. People may argue with theology, but they cannot argue with a transformed life.
Jesus said:
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
A righteous life becomes a tree of life—others are nourished, healed, and drawn to God.
3. Why Is Winning Souls Called Wisdom?
a) Because Souls Are Eternal
Everything else will pass away:
Money. Titles. Achievements. But souls live forever.
Jesus asked:
“What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36)
Wise people invest in what lasts forever.
b) Because Soul-Winning Aligns With God’s Priority
God’s greatest work is salvation.
God’s greatest joy is repentance.
God’s greatest desire is that none should perish.
“He who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:17)
When you win souls, you are working on what heaven is working on.
c) Because There Is Eternal Reward
Daniel 12:3 says:
“Those who turn many to righteousness shall shine like the stars forever and ever.”
Soul-winners are not forgotten in heaven.
Their impact echoes into eternity.
4. How Can We Win Souls?
a) Live the Gospel
People are watching:
How you speak; How you forgive; How you endure hardship.
Let Christ be seen in you.
b) Share the Gospel
Romans 10:14:
“How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?”
You don’t need to be a preacher. You just need to be willing. One conversation can change a destiny.
c) Love People Genuinely
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Love opens hearts where arguments cannot.
d) Depend on the Holy Spirit
Soul-winning is not human effort—it is divine power.
Jesus said:
“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me.” (Acts 1:8)
The Holy Spirit convicts. We simply obey.
Conclusion
Wisdom is not found in applause, popularity, or success. Wisdom is found in obedience to God’s heart. And God’s heart beats for souls.
May it be said of us:
We lived righteously; We loved sacrificially; We pointed others to Christ.
“He who wins souls is wise.”
Closing Prayer:
“Lord, give us Your heart for the lost. Make our lives trees of life. Use our words, our actions, and our love to draw others to You. Teach us to live wisely—by winning souls. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”