The Importance of Sharing Your Faith?

The Bible offers us many good reasons for proclaiming the gospel. Yet, sharing your faith with nonbelievers can be intimidating and difficult, but also incredibly rewarding.  Evangelism is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, and can be a great way to connect with people and share your passion in a tactful, friendly manner.

There is nothing like the power of Jesus to restore a broken world and broken lives to what God originally intended (John 3:17).  Jesus urges us to invite others to engage in His mission to heal individual lives, relationships, and the world.

Jesus expects His followers to share with people the meaning of His life, death, and resurrection.  Before He ascended to heaven, Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations...” (Matthew 28:19) When we share the gospel, we are obeying Jesus’ command and joining the Great Commission He entrusted to us. (John 20:21)

Jesus repeatedly told stories of God’s love for the lost; God is like a shepherd searching for one lost and vulnerable sheep. (Luke 15:4)  He is like a woman looking in every nook and cranny for a lost, valuable coin. (Luke 15:8)  He is like a father who celebrates when his lost and confused son returns home. (Luke 15:11)  

These parables illustrate God’s earnest and patient search for every person. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)  When you share your faith, you are joining in God’s search to see everyone come to repentance and have a relationship with Him.

God is preparing for a full house in heaven.  We are blessed to have the privilege of working with Him toward this goal while on earth, to “go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in.” (Luke 14:23)  Romans 10:14 points out what will happen if we don’t, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Verse 15 goes on to praise, “...how beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news.”

I think we tend to forget that sharing the gospel is a powerful way to show love to people.  We find inspiration to love others from God’s love for us.  His sacrificial love was a free gift to you, and it’s a gift you’re expected to pass along. (Matthew 10:8)  And in 2 Corinthians 5:14, it says, “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.”  You can love people by introducing them to God’s love and compassion as demonstrated by Christ on the cross."

Did you know that the future of unbelievers matters deeply to God?  Humankind desperately needs the salvation Jesus offers.  John 3:18 says, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”  As Christians, our awareness that family, friends, and strangers will otherwise be eternally separated from God should motivate us to proclaim the hope of Christ.

In the same way, Philippians 2:3-4 encourages us to, “value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”  Witnessing to the people in your life is a way to put the utmost value on their lives—their eternal lives.  

When we proclaim the good news, it impacts our personal growth and we grow as Christ’s disciples. Sharing our faith opens us up to the adventure of obeying God, and working together with Him in ways that strengthen our faith and transform our thinking.  Jesus even promises we’re empowered for evangelism by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), and that He loves us enough to see to it that “…every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (John 15:2)

Salvation is something only God can provide, and something for which only He deserves the glory.  As Christ’s representatives (2 Corinthians 5:20), we are instruments by which God receives all the honor, thanks, and praise.  And it is a blessing to be a part of that process.  “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

And finally, Luke 15:10 reminds us that, “...there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."  Shouldn't we as Christians rejoice too?  Shouldn't we weep over the lost? Shouldn't we ask the Lord of the field to send laborers into His harvest? (Luke 10:2)  Absolutely!  The salvation of others is the goal of your efforts.  The love of God is your motive. 

Is there anything greater?

WHAT WOULD GOD HAVE YOU DO?   

Pray about the eternal consequences of life apart from God.  Pray about the difference a relationship with Christ makes in everyday living.  Think and pray for other people.  Pray about finding peers who will encourage each other to learn how to share their faith.  And prayerfully be intentional to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading with compassion, and talk about what you believe to help others come into a relationship with Christ.

Philemon 1:6 says, “I pray that you be active in sharing your faith so that you will have a full understanding of all we have in Christ.”

 

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