Tips for Sharing the Gospel of Jesus
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Sharing the gospel of Jesus is an important part of discipleship. God still relies on His followers to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. It didn’t end with the disciples in the New Testament. Being in God’s Word, repenting when needed, and praying daily help to strengthen a relationship with Jesus and to build effective discipleship.
Jesus instructs His disciples to spread the gospel to all nations in what is known as the “Great Commission.”
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” —Matthew 28:19–20 (KJV)
While the gospel needs to spread worldwide, people in our own circle of family, friends, and community also need to hear how to receive salvation through Jesus Christ. Sharing Jesus with those we love can be the most challenging, especially if they don’t believe or live only for what the world offers. Even though the conversation comes from a place of love and care for their eternal salvation, the other person can interpret it as hypocritical and judgmental, resulting in an argument.
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! … So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” —Romans 10: 14–15, 17 (KJV)
My career in outside sales presented me with many opportunities to share Jesus. But you don’t have to be sociable or have a sales job to be an effective disciple. There are ways you can reach people from home. Based on lessons I’ve learned through failed and successful attempts at sharing my faith, I suggest the following tips to be more effective when sharing the gospel of Jesus.
1. REPENTANCE—We’re called to repentance when we surrender our lives to Jesus, which means to change and turn away from repetitive sin (Acts 3:19). People may view you as a hypocrite if you’re continuing to live in habitual sin and not bearing good fruit (Galatians 5:22–23). We all fall short and sin, but trying to live in obedience is important. The enemy knows our weaknesses and wants us to sin. Resist his temptations, so he will flee (James 4:7). As you grow closer to Jesus through His Word, prayer, and obedience, the Holy Spirit will transform your heart toward pleasing Him.
2. KNOWLEDGE—It’s imperative to be prepared to present truth and answer questions through the knowledge of Scripture and the knowledge of evidence proving the Bible is true. The Holy Bible is God’s love letter to us for instruction and guidance through life and into eternal salvation. We’re blessed to have easy access and freedom to read His Word in our country. Knowledge of the evidence proving the Bible is true is especially necessary when you’re talking to skeptics or non-believers. Please read and share my January blog post, “Evidence Proving the Holy Bible is True.” There, I include fascinating YouTube videos of the forms of evidence.
3. TESTIMONY—Share your testimony of how faith in Jesus has transformed your life for the better. Inform others of the comfort, hope, joy, love, and peace you receive through Jesus. It’s wonderful to have the gift of prayer and communication through the Holy Spirit. We receive many blessings and rewards through faith in Jesus, most importantly eternal salvation. Including how, when, and why you became a Christian can help them understand your reasoning.
4. FAITH-BASED GIFTS—Give faith-inspired gifts such as daily devotional books, prayer crosses, or jewelry. I love giving and receiving faith-based gifts. Some of my favorite gift ideas are daily devotionals, hand-held wooden prayer crosses, and cross or mustard seed necklaces. Unaware my neighbor wasn’t saved, I gave her a daily devotional book when she was going through a difficult time. Reading it led her to a relationship with Jesus and getting baptized. You never know how a small gift can change someone’s life for the better.
5. INVITATION—Inviting people to church or a Bible study group is a great way to introduce people to Jesus. They can hear Scripture, sermons, and testimonies that can bring them to salvation. Being surrounded by Christians allows them to ask questions and hear how God is working in others’ lives. Worship is also a great opportunity for them to witness the Holy Spirit at work and impact their heart as well.
6. LETTER—Send the same informative and heartfelt letter to your circle of family and friends, making known it’s going to a group of believers and non-believers. A letter is a way to reach those you love the most without having a confrontation and risking damage to a relationship. It allows you to present Scripture references and other facts. Attach a link to my blog post “Evidence Proving the Holy Bible is True” or select other forms of proof.
7. LOVE—Talk in a caring, loving, and informative way without condemning their lifestyle and choices. Condemnation results in them feeling judged and offended, putting them in a defensive position. Judging others is not our place, especially when we all fall short. The Bible tells us to love one another (John 13:34) and not to judge others (Matthew 7:1). We should mirror the love and compassion of Jesus.
8. PRAY—Be in prayer before and after you have a conversation with someone about Jesus. Pray for the Lord to open the door, give you wisdom and guidance, and soften their heart toward you and His Word. Pray their ears will be open to hear, their eyes will be open to see, and their hearts will be open to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Trust in the Lord to answer your prayers.
9. TRUTH—As mentioned above, being educated in Scripture is imperative. People need to know Jesus is the only way to eternal salvation (John 14:6). The topic of hell can be a subject uncomfortable to talk about, but it’s a real place where non-believers and those who reject a relationship with Jesus Christ spend eternal life (Matthew 13:50). Choose a way to inform people of what Scripture says about hell without condemning them. Only the Lord is worthy of judging others (James 4:12).
10. SOCIAL MEDIA—Sharing Scripture and inspirational faith messages on social media is an effective and easy way to reach many people. Creative designs with Scripture can be produced on Canva for social media. Following Christian people or groups also allows you to share their posts. Technology opens the door to share Jesus with the world without having to travel. I do encourage mission trips to other countries if God puts it on your heart. Many churches and organizations offer mission opportunities.
“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” —2 Timothy 2:1–2 (KJV)
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” —John 13:34–35 (KJV)
Sharing the gospel of Jesus is the greatest gift of love you can extend to someone. It’s also our responsibility as Christians. I pray these suggestions will boost your confidence in sharing the gospel of our wonderful Lord and Savior. He’s worthy of our assistance and praise. Please share additional tips for sharing the gospel of Jesus in the comments below.
By: Jenny Stainback
