The Bible expects us to be witnesses for Jesus where we live and around the world (Acts 1:8). Most of us, though, struggle with sharing the good news with other people. To be honest, I think we struggle because we overcomplicate the process. Try this simple pattern, and see what happens:
- Follow the Apostle Paul’s pattern by getting someone to pray these verses for you. Ask for boldness, clarity, and opportunity:
Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should. (Ephesians 6:19-20 )
At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the message, to speak the mystery of the Messiah, for which I am in prison, so that I may reveal it as I am required to speak. (Colossians 4:3)
- Say something about God to somebody each day. Get in the practice of telling somebody how good God is to you. The more you talk about Him, the more you’ll tell lost people about Him, too.
- Practice telling your story to other believers. Most of us go to church every Sunday with many people whose gospel stories we don’t know – and that’s a tragedy. Start telling your story to other believers, and ask about their stories. Tell them about your life before knowing Jesus, how you came to know Him, and how He’s changed your life. You might just fall in love with Jesus all over again as you remember and tell the story.
- Be upfront with your evangelism. Here’s what I propose, at least in North American culture: Just be honest and upfront in this task. Don’t worry about transitioning a conversation to the gospel. Don’t let yourself get “stuck.” Just say to a friend, “You know, I’m a follower of Jesus, and one of our responsibilities is to tell others about Him. May I take five minutes to tell you what He means to me?” You might even add, “And after I’ve told you, would you tell me anything that was unclear or hard to follow?” Set a goal to take this approach each week until you find someone ready to listen.
My experience has been that most people have given me time to share with them. Maybe they’re just being kind, but here’s what I pray is happening: others see passion for Jesus in me, and they’re ready to hear my story because others have been praying for me.
What do you think?
Thank you for the post Dr. Lawless. Have been praying recently that my love for Jesus would be more evident to others and that would lead to more gospel sharing opportunities. This post was helpful in directing next steps and prayers toward that goal!
Blessings, Joe! Just said a prayer for you.
Thank You for this simple method of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. God bless.