If you’re like most people I know, you probably don’t share your faith all that often. It can feel creepy or just plain awkward, and there’s always that fear of rejection.
People say to me: “I think my friends may be more open to what I’m learning about God, but I really don’t know how to articulate what I believe...” OR “I rarely talk to friends or co-workers about my faith because I don’t want them to feel like I’m cramming it down their throats...” (Whatever that means?)
Here’s a cool way to share your faith that has never been weird or received poorly by others when I’ve done it like this.
Lose the Bummer
I suggest you don’t start off a conversation about religion and Christianity by beginning with what you don’t believe in common with another person. Don’t dive into a debate with them, or go after some specific sin you believe you’ve observed in their life. (Like you’re their judge or something!)
Instead, I love pointing out how someone is an example of the Kingdom of God breaking in. I’ll “notice” something they did that reminds me of what Jesus, or God is truly like.
It’s a powerful experience for them, and a humble and surprising form of “evangelism” as you connect their life directly to God’s plans and purposes. Let me give you a couple of examples:
God-given Wisdom
I once told a friend, who’s an atheist, that the knowledge and wisdom with which he conducted his business was incredible. I said, “I believe that all wisdom comes from God.” Then I added, “I think you have God-given wisdom, and it reminds me of what God is like.”
You would’ve thought he was going to fall over. He melted on the spot, and it changed our relationship immediately.
What a Servant!
Here’s another example. I told a dear neighbor that the way she laid down her preferences in a particular situation, to be a blessing to my daughter, reminded me of the way Jesus laid down his life.
“I don’t know...” she said, a little flushed and flattered. “I’ll have to think about that…”.
She was blown away.
The Image May be Smudged…
You see, we have never looked into the face of another person who is not an image bearer of God. No matter how broken, filthy, addicted, violent, or confused someone may seem—God’s image is never completely marred or removed from them. (Nor from you, for that matter.) Pointing out how they show what God is like in some small area of their life will be truly good news to them. And it builds a bridge to further conversations.
I promise! [clickToTweet tweet=”You’ve never looked into the face of another person who is not an image bearer of God. #BiggerGospel” quote=”We have never looked into the face of another person who is not an image bearer of God.”]
So if you’re not sure how to share your faith with others, or just afraid to get started, the next best time to point out some good news in a person’s life is now.
Watch for my new book, Bigger Gospel: Learning to Speak, Live and Enjoy the Good News in Every Area of Life coming in January, 2017.
Question: Right now, who in your life could you point out some Godly character or actions you’ve observed?
