Extroverted or introverted, talking to people about Jesus is hard. If you are introverted, talking to people in general may be hard, let alone about their beliefs – and especially if you don’t know them.
You know that you are called to share the gospel. You know that Jesus has changed your life. You know that being in his word and in prayer brings you refreshment.
How exactly do you share that with someone who doesn’t believe though? An even better question to ask may be: how exactly do you share Jesus with someone and not be weird?
Perhaps you want to talk about Jesus so badly that you have considered going into ministry. Here are 4 Reasons You Should Consider Going Into Ministry.
Now, consider these tips to bring up Christianity to those who don’t believe in Jesus.
- Build a relationship with the person.
Let’s face it – grabbing a megaphone and standing on the street corner shouting “REPENT” may be truthful, but not effective. I’m willing to bet that you don’t want to do that either.
Luckily for you, that is not the only way to talk about Jesus! You can share Jesus after you have gotten to know a person. Even if you have 2 minutes with someone, that can be enough time to build a relationship and still share about Jesus.
Related Book: Turning Everyday Conversations into Gospel Conversations by Jimmy Scroggins
There are many people in the Bible that are recorded as sharing the gospel in one sentence. 2 minutes, then, seems like a good amount of time. Spend the first minute talking about them – ask way more questions than statements you give. You can share Jesus just by showing someone that you care about them and their story. Even that level of investment is rare these days.
Most times, you can establish a relationship and keep it going: get to know your neighbors, coworkers, friends, even family. Take the relationships you have and make them healthier.
- Be bold and do not sugarcoat the truth.
I can’t say not to sugarcoat things and then sugarcoat them for you. So, I won’t. Talking about Jesus takes courage, boldness, the ability to be uncomfortable, and the openness to listen to God’s Spirit.
You will get weird glances, side comments, and brushed off a lot… like a lot. Don’t worry, though, sharing the truth to all different kinds of people will put you in so many conversations that you are not expecting.
Boldness is not as hard as you think to develop. See 3 Ways Exercise Increases Your Faith to learn how exercise can build disciplines in your life that make uncomfortable settings easier to adapt to.
- Don’t hide your story!
God has worked a miracle in your life! You have gone from death to life, and that is awesome. You have been given the greatest story of all time, the best news now lives in you. Do NOT let society, distraction, fear, or any other excuse keep you from sharing that with somebody else.
Your story is powerful, and we see great examples of that in the Bible. Paul, one of the most influential people of all time, had a radical transition in Acts 9. Later, in Acts 22, Paul shares his story again and the result is incredible – I recommend you go read the chapter after this.
Abraham, Noah, Moses, David. These are all people in the Bible who had great faith, a great story. Their lives come up throughout the Bible, but most poignantly in Hebrews 11 – the hall of faith. Their stories remain an encouragement to us today as we seek to have faith like theirs.
One of the most common fears when talking about Jesus is that nobody will care or believe you. Nobody, though, can deny the work that God has done in your own life.
When sharing your story, don’t forget that ALL glory should be focused on God. Make His name great; make your story merely the vehicle to talk about Jesus.
- Use the Bible.
God’s word promises NEVER to return void. This means that a seed is always planted when you use the Bible. Plus, the best way to share about Jesus is to share what he said about himself.
Here are some good Bible verses to share with other people:
Scripture is powerful and it speaks to all of the main issues in life. Granted, it is not on you to change someone’s heart or to convince them to believe that you are right.
The Holy Spirit plays a massive role when you go to share Jesus with someone. Not only does He work in the heart of the person you’re sharing with, but He empowers you, emboldens you, and even precedes you.
Related Book: The Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler
That is encouraging that you are not alone in this! Although it might feel like you are, let me assure you that God wants His name shared and glorified. He desires that all people are saved and his love runs deep.
Share Jesus. Do it! Share your story of how God has worked in your life. Take that first step of faith to encourage someone else who needs the hope that is in you.
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