When is the best time to share the Gospel with someone?
Because of the way the church sometimes talks about evangelism as this unique thing that we set out to do, we often think of evangelism as something we do on occasion and may even find ourselves wondering, when is the right time to evangelize.
This way of thinking about evangelism has also raised the anxiety level for most people when it comes to the idea. For some, it becomes such a scary thought that they never really want to do it. For others, it becomes a burden because they don’t feel like they are doing it enough (or at all) and they feel guilty.
What if we thought differently about evangelism?
What if evangelism isn’t this separate thing that we do occasionally (or never)?
What if it’s something we do all the time in everything we do?
That’s the idea we see in Colossians 4:5-6. Have wisdom in your interactions. Let your speech be gracious. Season your interactions with salt. Salt makes food taste better. Let your interactions with others “taste” better so people feel good about being around you.
All of these things are part of our witness. They show that we care about others, we have wisdom, and it makes people want to be around us and talk to us. Think of it the opposite way. If someone is always rude or foolish or you always feel your stomach tighten when they come around, are you going to want to hear them talk about Jesus? Are you going to ask them? I don’t think so.
Sent: A Month of Mission
In June we are focusing on Mission in the midst of the pandemic. Things are starting to open up, but there is still a lot of uncertainty and anxiety. People still (as they always do) need Jesus. I want to encourage you to find ways to engage with others over the next month. It may be online. It may be in person. It may be with a gift or a note or and offer to listen.
Let’s be intentional about finding ways to share the love of Jesus with others this month and see what God does in those people’s lives…and in our lives.
Give it a try.
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt. See what happens. If the opportunity arises where you can share Jesus or, better yet, they ask you why you’re so kind, etc. Tell them it’s because Jesus loves you and Jesus loves them.
Heavenly Father,
Help me to love others and in loving others have the opportunity to share Jesus with them.
Amen.