I believe one of the greatest fears amongst
Christians is the one thing we are called to do most often: evangelize! I think
the reason most Christians find it so hard is that they have this idea that to
evangelize “properly” you must "bombard them with everything" all at once to “win them to Christ” on the first encounter.
Evangelism, instead, is not an “all at once” cold-sell
approach, but a process of allowing God to work over a period of time through
your personality, talents and faithfulness to draw someone into His kingdom.
It is through our constant actions and attitudes
that God builds the bridges that allow us to share the Gospel when the
opportunity presents itself. It cannot be forced. It must be allowed to come in
its proper time and place. The time will come and we must be ready.
The saying is true: “People will not listen
until they have first been heard and people will not care unless they first see
that you sincerely care about them.” Because evangelism is a process, we must
understand that it may take weeks, months, or years to see someone give their
life to Christ.
1 Peter 3:15 tells us to “give the reason for
the hope that you have, but do this with gentleness and respect.” The word “gentleness”
describes the characteristic of the Christian that trusts God to do the work of
changing a person’s attitude toward the Gospel. We aren’t called to win
arguments and debates as if God needs us to defend him. That’s not what “winning”
someone for Christ means.
Whether our efforts are accepted or met with hostility,
we must always be polite and
respectful when communicating the good news of Jesus Christ. Our words and
body-language must exemplify a sensitive and loving spirit so that others will
be receptive to listening to all we have to say. Let your love and honest concern shine through....this will peak their curiosity and set the opportunity for you to share your faith. Keep evangelizing!