Kelli shares three tips for sharing Christ in daily life, in this last installment of our series on growing together the share the Gospel.
Sharing Christ in Daily Life
by Kelli Baker
“What will people think when they hear that I’m a Jesus freak?
What will people do when they find that it’s true?”
Do you remember this song by the Newsboys?
I have vivid memories of jamming out to this on TBN as a child. My parents were on fire for Jesus. They wore t-shirts that declared their faith and everywhere we went they would proclaim their love for Jesus. In many ways I envy their boldness. As a child, I didn’t realize how difficult it is to share the gospel of Jesus. It takes courage to speak out about your faith to those around you. Sometimes it can be difficult when it’s the people you work with, but even talking to strangers about Christ can be tough, too. Fear of rejection or being viewed differently are both reasons why it can be difficult to share Christ with others.
Sharing the gospel is especially hard in the military lifestyle, being uprooted every few years. We tend to surround ourselves with others who are like-minded, giving us a support system we can rely on for strength. Not to say we don’t need a Christian support system, however, Jesus calls us to be disciples of men.
“And he said to them, Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
Mark 16:15
Just as he called his disciples to spread the gospel among the nations, he is calling us to share the good news.
What does sharing Christ in daily life look like for us as believers in today’s world?
Jesus has charged us with the responsibility to share his love with those we encounter. Whether that be on a daily basis at work, in passing at the grocery store, or at the playground with our children. Jesus calls us to speak of what he has done for us. I know what you’re thinking. How do I do this without coming across as pushing Jesus onto people? Here are a few simple tips for sharing the gospel wherever you are planted.
The first tip is to look for ways to share during your daily tasks.
When you are running errands ask people about themselves. Show genuine interest in others. At the grocery store, ask the cashier how they are doing. Genuinely respond to them with kindness.
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Colossians 4:6
If they are honest and share their struggles, ask if you can pray for them. The number of people who respond positively may surprise you.
Second, be gentle in your approach. 1 Peter 3:15 says,
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
When you speak about Christ with others, do so in a way that is kind and not forceful. Share what Christ has done in your life. If you encounter push back, drop the issue. However, pray for those you know are not believers. Pray for God’s discernment on how to proceed with them.
Finally, share the gospel through your actions.
Demonstrating the love of Christ through your actions will draw others toward the light within you. At the playground, rather than engage in gossip, engage others with an eternal perspective.
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Ephesians 4:29
Maintaining integrity by not participating in gossip will show others that you are different and that’s okay! Steering clear of workplace drama and standing behind your convictions when you see misconduct demonstrates your strong values.
Sharing the gospel with others can be intimidating and at times down right hard. However, if you can embrace the strength the Father gives and demonstrate his love for others through your speech and actions, you will find it much easier to engage about Jesus with others around you.
Move Out
Read: Mark 16:14-20
Reflect: In what areas of your life do you struggle to share the gospel with others?
Respond: Ask one person you come in contact with this week if you can pray for them.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your word and your example of what it looks like to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Forgive us for not always seeking to share your love with others. Please give us the boldness to speak to others with an eternal mindset. Amen.
If you feel like your story may not be worth sharing, read Muriel’s post from the beginning of this month: Go Tell it on the Mountains.
