The Heart of Evangelism: Overcoming Fears and Sharing the Gospel
As a Christian, I’ve often struggled with the concept of evangelism. How do I share the gospel without offending others? How do I ensure that I’m not adding or subtracting from the message? These questions have plagued me for years, but I’ve come to realize that evangelism is not about having all the answers; it’s about being willing to take the first step.
Defining Evangelism
Evangelism is not about converting people; it’s about sharing the message of Jesus Christ. It’s not about being a perfect witness; it’s about being a faithful one. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:11, “We persuade men.” Our goal is not to convince others, but to share the gospel with the hope that they will come to faith.
Praying for Unbelievers
Prayer is essential in evangelism. We should pray for unbelievers, asking God to soften their hearts and open their minds to the gospel. As Paul writes in Romans 10:1, “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.” Prayer reminds us that conversion is not our job, but the Holy Spirit’s.
Overcoming Fears and Excuses
Many of us struggle with evangelism because of fear or excuses. We may think that we’re not the right personality type or that we don’t know enough about the Bible. But these excuses are just that – excuses. Evangelism is not about being an extrovert or an expert; it’s about being willing to share the gospel.
Taking the First Step
So, how do we get started in evangelism? First, we need to identify our non-Christian friends, neighbors, and coworkers. We can start by praying for them and asking God to give us opportunities to share the gospel. We can also invite them to church or start a Bible study. The key is to take the first step and see where the Holy Spirit leads us.
Megan’s Story
I recently heard a story about a young woman named Megan who was convicted to share her faith. She started by organizing a Bible study, but nobody showed up. She then met with a classmate who was a worshiper of Aphrodite, but the woman wasn’t interested in Christianity. Megan didn’t give up. She continued to share the gospel with others, even when they rejected her. Her story is a reminder that evangelism is not about success, but about faithfulness.
Conclusion
Evangelism is not easy, but it’s worth it. When we share the gospel, we’re not just sharing a message; we’re sharing the love of Jesus Christ. So, let’s take the first step and see where the Holy Spirit leads us. Let’s be faithful witnesses, even when it’s hard. And let’s remember that evangelism is not about us; it’s about Him.
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