One of the struggles I had growing up (and sometimes still do!) is plucking up the courage to tell others about my faith and what it means for me that Jesus died on the cross all those years ago.  It can be so scary especially as we often will not know how the person we are talking to will react.  However the fact of the matter is that as Christians and disciples of Jesus we are taught in the Great Commission to go and tell others about Jesus (Matthew 28 v 16-20).

I think there are many reasons why we hold back from telling others.  What if they laugh at me?  What if they stop being my friend? or a lot of the time I think it is because we are afraid we will not be able to answer any questions they may have.  However I think we must not be afraid because in my experience God always equips us when we step out in faith for Him.  We just need to be willing and God will give us the words to say to those who we engage with.  In fact very often I am so surprised when I start a faith conversation because very often they are chomping at the bit to talk about faith issues and to ask questions.  You will be surprised at the questions that people have.  You may even find that the person has been thinking about faith a lot and you may be the answer to their prayers.  If you don’t know an answer to a question then DO NOT be afraid to be open and say you don’t know but you will try and find out.  One of the most powerful things you can do is to just share your story and what Jesus means to you.

As Christians we also have a responsibility to equip ourselves-to read the Bible, to pray and listen to God, to read up about other faiths so we can be equipped.  A website I found recently on the internet is dare2share.  It has a great section on sharing your faith.  For example it has Top 10 questions about sharing your faith including answering the question “How do I reach those who want to argue?”.  However my favourite part of the website is the section where it gives you helpful tips for sharing your faith with people from various worldviews e.g. Marty the Mormon.  It tells you what that faith believes, contrasts it with what we as Christians believe and then it gives you helpful things to remember when sharing your faith.  Fabulous stuff!  Go and check it out!  And why not ask God to open up a door of opportunity to chat to someone today.

www.dare2share.org/

WARNING! When you ask God for opportunities to share your faith with those around you then be prepared to speak out as He will provide you with those opportunities!!

 Lesley