Sharing your faith is one of the scariest things you can ever do, especially in our world today. Everyone is afraid of saying the wrong thing, being misinterpreted and judged by thousands. With the internet, when you say one thing, you say it to the whole world. It makes sharing what you believe that much more intimidating. If you want to talk about your faith in person to a friend or family member that can be just as frightening because you could create the opportunity to potentially lose that relationship. Regardless of the setting, fear is a big reason we are hesitant when it comes to bringing up what we believe in. There are countless ways to share your faith but this article will focus on three ways to deepen conversations and lessen the anxiety you may have.
Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Sometimes we can be excited to tell everyone we see and meet about Jesus, and if he has changed your life why wouldn’t you? Boldness is an incredible attribute to have when it comes to letting others know about what he has done for your heart. Some may be slower and that is also okay, creating genuine relationships is a way to build up trust and that takes time. I for one am not going to respond well to some stranger on the street telling me what I should believe in. I do not know them, nor do I trust them. That type of evangelism rarely works in our modern world when it comes to the long haul. Yes, you may scare or guilt someone into listening to you but are they more relieved than convicted when you walk away? If you take the time to genuinely get to know someone for who they are and love them for who they are, as Jesus did, then when you do share your faith there is a base layer of confidence established. This is not to say to hide your faith or your viewpoints but to be patient when trying to change theirs. And you may never change their viewpoints on every topic, but you can disagree with love and keep them in your life. Heaven will be a diverse place, some of which its residents may surprise you.
Proverbs 18:24 says, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
This brings me to my second point, which is how do you know when it’s time to share? The good news is we do not have to carry this burden alone. The Holy Spirit will open up doors for you to share your faith if you pray for those opportunities. We don't know how the Spirit is working in their lives which is why we need to be led by him. Instead of us forcing our way in a conversation God can intricately give you a natural starting point. Or sometimes a friend may just blatantly ask you or want more information. Either way, we need to do so humbly and with the same grace that was shown to us. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and life experiences that have shaped them into who they are. They are unique, and establishing a relationship and waiting on God’s timing can make a faith conversation that much more impactful because you did not enter it with just your mindset.
So how will others know they can come to you? Do you live in such a way that your words match your actions? Or is your double life splitting you in half mentally? It’s easy to want to blend in with the crowd when they are screaming loud and you’re the minority. But living your life as a resident of heaven will attract maybe even convict, those who are meant to know Jesus personally (which is every person that was ever created.) Is being a good example enough? No, you will need to share your faith verbally when the time comes but it is a starting point so others see there is something different in you. A resident of heaven knows there is greater life after this, the things that matter so much now like social media and everyone’s opinions will not matter when we stand before God. We can live in such a way that others know we have the purpose of Christ living in us.
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace”
-Helen H. Lemmel
Sources: Bible Gateway