The most powerful information we hold as Christians is the good news of Jesus. But how can we be confident in sharing the Gospel?
The most powerful information we hold as Christians is the good news of Jesus. But how can we be confident in sharing the Gospel?
Picture the scene: a busy day, rushing to your local corner shop to quickly get something you have run out of at home. In the chaotic moment, you start observing the other people there, hearing the echoes of their steps and catching snippets of various conversations. Amidst the bustle, your attention is drawn to the woman behind the till.
Your heart is prompted to remember that as well as being a worker, she's also an image-bearer of God, precious and treasured. As your focus shifts towards her, you find yourself curious about who she is, her expression and her story - does she know Jesus? As you approach her to pay, you see the opportunity. A familiar urge arises—that desire to reach out, spark up a conversation and find a way to talk to her about Jesus. You find yourself conflicted because you're in a hurry and there's a chance you might be misunderstood, or she might not be interested.
We've all stood at this crossroad— our eagerness to share the Gospel intersecting with the apprehension of potential awkwardness or rejection. We find ourselves teetering on the edge, balancing the delicate tension of wanting to reach just enough without going too far. This internal struggle, the moment of questioning whether to take the opportunity, often hinders us from stepping outside our comfort zones and extending Jesus into the lives of those who may need it the most.
We've all stood at this crossroad— our eagerness to share the Gospel intersecting with the apprehension of potential awkwardness or rejection.
The key lies in knowing that God is always working; we won't always know exactly what to do at these crossroads, but still taking that step and not shying away from these opportunities in our everyday lives is a risk worth taking for the sake of the gospel.
In a recent survey commissioned by London City Mission, 26% of UK Christians expressed worry about negative reactions when sharing their faith with others and 19% of Christians said they might hold back from talking to more people because they feel they should be 'tolerant' and let others have their own beliefs.
Sharing your faith with someone new might raise these same feelings in you. Perhaps the conversation feels too important, too risky or too difficult to raise. But like many things that challenge us, the potential outcome is worth the effort.
This is a challenge I find myself having to remember to take. During a recent visit to an unfamiliar place, I walked past a homeless man as I left the station. It took a moment and an internal prompting in my heart to turn back, slow down and take a risk. After a quick prayer, I turned back and greeted him. He shared that he was cold and couldn't afford a cup of coffee, so I offered to get him one and asked his name. “My name is David, like in the Bible,” he said. This immediately sparked a conversation - and obviously created an opportunity to share about Jesus. Stepping out of your comfort zone and seizing the moment is where opportunities lie.
Sharing your faith with someone new might raise these same feelings in you. Perhaps the conversation feels too important, too risky or too difficult to raise. But like many things that challenge us, the potential outcome is worth the effort.
It's easy to see individuals as a collective mass in settings like bus journeys, parks, or even among neighbours. To break this pattern, take a simple first step: consciously decide to stop and connect with just one person each day. Whether commuting, at work, on the school run, or at home, take a moment to observe and identify someone to pray for, encourage, or share a friendly smile – a small yet impactful gesture.
This outreach is echoed through the life of Jesus, the value of pursuing the one. Be it the lost coin, rescuing one sheep, or individuals singled out in the gospels. Jesus noticed and saw them amidst the crowds.
After looking and seeing, the next step is to bridge the gap and make a connection. Recognise that our weaknesses can be relatable and share stories or experiences that connect with diverse backgrounds.
When considering sharing the gospel, our focus often narrows to familiar circles, friends, and family. Yet, many may not know a Christian, let alone have a Christian friend (in fact, 1 in 2 people in London don't have anyone close to them that will share the gospel). To ensure everyone has a personal opportunity to hear about Jesus, we must consciously step into the lives of those unfamiliar with Christianity – those we pass on the street, people in our local shop, or those we see at the school gate – speak to them, going beyond our comfort zones.
In the busyness of life, you can’t wait for a perfect time. We need to have the courage to seize the moment. Recently, when dinner time was imminent, I decided to spontaneously knock on my neighbour’s door which led to some fantastic conversations that shared the love of Christ. It wasn't an ideal time for me, but an ideal moment was never going to come.
It’s tempting to avoid uncomfortable conversations, especially with those outside our usual circles, but the challenge is clear, millions of people on our doorstep are disconnected from the church.
Let's step out of our comfort zones, taking each step with boldness. Identify individuals around us with whom we can share our faith, assuming the best about their openness and relying on God who walks alongside us.
Connect with one. Be it the lost coin, rescuing one sheep, or individuals singled out in the gospels. Jesus noticed and saw them amidst the crowds.
LCM shares the gospel alongside the local church of London, equipping everyday Christians to lovingly bring a message of hope in Christ to those least likely to hear it.
Registered Charity No. 247186
