Three Tips to Share Your Faith
Sometimes the thought of sharing your faith with someone can feel daunting and it’s hard to know where to start. You’re not alone! Even if you regularly share your faith, there can still be moments where you feel like you’ve been given a shot of adrenaline, your heart races and your mind suddenly seems to go blank.
There can be an urge to run, change the subject, or retreat — but if you listen to the still voice of the Holy Spirit inside of you, you can lean in and step out. It’s terrifying at times, but then also so exhilarating! As Christians, it is a joy to speak life into the lives of those around us so they too may know the hope of Christ that is within us.
Here are three promises to help you share your faith:
1. God is for me (Romans 8:31)
2. I have the life of Christ inside me (Galatians 2:20)
3. The Holy Spirit will help me (John 14:26–27)
When talking with friends, sometimes we can be overzealous to share the truth we know, and our friends can sometimes feel like they are being talked at, rather than talked to, or listened to. Now, enthusiasm is great, but here are three practical tips to help.
1. The goal of sharing your faith is to win people, not arguments
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” — 1 Peter 3:15–17
It’s important that we spend time in conversation to understand their journey, viewpoints, and experiences. Don’t be offended if your friend is really negative about God; offence breeds contention, and that’s the last thing you need. In a situation like this, a good way to respond would be something like, “I’m really sorry that you feel that way, can you explain why?” Try to read between the lines and listen to what is not being said. You will start to notice areas of pain, distrust, anger, sadness, etc. Keep them in mind as the conversation continues.
God’s loving-kindness leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). Ask God to help you be a carrier of that kindness. Kindness isn’t about agreeing, but it’s speaking the truth in love. Be careful not to jump to your own conclusions about why your friends are responding in a particular manner, listen to the Holy Spirit, and ask questions. Asking questions is a fabulous way to get understanding, and it helps keep the conversation open and friendly.
2. Stay consistent online and offline
Discipleship and evangelism go hand in hand. Our behaviours and our actions disciple people, the question is what sort of discipleship are we presenting?
“Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity...” — Ephesians 5:15–16
Our lives are being watched both offline and online. The online space can be a great place to have conversations, but it’s also a place where people tend to turn into someone or something else! Social media should not be a place to get on your personal ‘soap box’ and blast opinions at people. It is a place; however, where a mirage of thoughts, opinions, and lives are shared for all to see.
If you do happen to get ‘blasted’ by a friend because of a post you have shared, or you feel to ‘blast’ someone back; stop — take a breath and a moment to think and pray first.
Is there more to the story you need to ask first?
How can you respond in a loving and kind way? Give ‘bite-sized’ responses that people can digest.
Consider, does this conversation need to happen in a private message or offline.
3. Use language which is easily understood
Your friends will understand you better if you use everyday language. Be intentional with your choice of words. Sometimes without thinking we start using words that would only be heard in church or read in the Bible. In conversation, avoid words like; atonement for your sin, the blood of the lamb, born again, sanctification, or hedge of protection. The list can go on! What does “travelling mercy” even mean?
Whether your conversation is online or offline, always take time to consider how to respond to your friends. Trust that the Holy Spirit will guide you as you speak.
Being vulnerable as we share our lives with others helps them see we are not superhuman but, just like them, we also struggle. People connect with stories. As much as possible try to share through storytelling. Can you relate the situation to a personal experience you’ve had?
Would you like to learn more, chat with us about it
