Some years ago, I was listening to the radio about the results of a nationwide church survey. It asked Christians whose responsibility is it to share the good news of Christ. I was surprised by the divided results. Many Christians surveyed believe it should only be the pastor’s responsibility.
Many reasons were given as to why they felt this way. I don’t recall all the reasons, but here are a few that stood out to me. Some just don’t want to take on that responsibility or feel it is not part of their calling. For others, fear held them back. Some Christians are just tired of being rejected and ridiculed for their faith.
I certainly can’t be judgmental of those that expressed these statements. I regret missed opportunities to share Christ for one reason or another too. Fear, rejection, and ridicule have certainly held me back at times. However, the Bible commands that all believers are to share about Jesus with those who don’t know Him.
So, I want to encourage all of us who believe in Christ to not be afraid of sharing our faith with those who don’t believe or know much about Him. While rejection and ridicule can be hard, remember Jesus is also being rejected and ridiculed. He is standing there beside you too. He will comfort you, guide you, and see you through it. You never know who just might be open and willing to hear His message.
While we are not all called to be preachers or evangelists, we have each been given experiences that inherently lend themselves to sharing with others about our faith in Christ. The conversation doesn’t have to start with a prepared speech or even your personal testimony. Many times, it begins by building a relationship with someone new and listening to them. You may be there to lead them to a relationship with Christ, or you may be there to just plant one seed of many more to come.
Here are some ways we can begin sharing our faith with others.
We can openly give glory to God when we’ve been healed.
We can talk about how Christ’s strength and guidance got us through a difficult situation.
When others notice a positive change in our behavior, we can acknowledge Jesus’ work in our hearts.
If others can’t understand how we can show forgiveness to someone who has deeply hurt us, we can share it is because Christ forgives us.
Even when we have failed, we can demonstrate our need for Christ, show His unconditional love for each of us, and praise His never ending grace.
I ask that God would help me and guide me in using my experiences to share His Son with the world. I hope you will too.
Dressed in Faith
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Matthew 28:19-20
I am enjoying the devotionals. Gives me food for thought!
Thank you Sue! They express thoughts that God has placed in my heart and definitely challenge me at times.
Great devotional. I, too, have regretted not sharing the gospel and have felt all the same reasons you gave – fear of rejection etc. But God did command us to share His gospel. So I will certainly do my best to answer that call.
Thank you Gina, and thanks for sharing!