Many of us have tried sharing to our friends. It’s something that isn’t easy. In fact, most of us would probably find it harder to do so then to do other forms of evangelism.
Some points we should note:
Why would our friends not listen to our sharing of the gospel
- The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Rom 8:7
- “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: `No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” John 15:18-20
- For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor 1:18
From the bible, it is stated that our friends would not listen. This is something that we can’t change: their attitude.
What we CAN change, is our own attitude. We should prepare our own testimony, and be prepared to share at any moment in time. We must always show a sense of enthutiasm for sharing of the gospel, and at the same time, show some sensitivity, by listening to what our friends have to say.
But in your hearts set apart 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 behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Pet 3:15-16
Why WOULD friends listen to our sharing of gospel?
There will always be TWO groups of friends.
One group would only have cursory interest. What does that mean? They only listen to you just to gain more knowledge and not out of interest. Or in some cases, they listen to you only out of respect for you, not wanting to hurt your feelings.
The second group would be those who have genuine interest. These are the people God has planted seeds into, and these are the people you should pay attention to.
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him.” John 6:44,65
For the Christians :
Some of us are afraid of sharing the gospel. It is something that we do not show enthutiasm doing. Why?
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile Rom1:16
Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 2 Tim 2:12
We should not share just so that we have some ‘results’ to show to God. Some people have a misconception that the more people they lead to salvation, the more fruits and rewards they will get.
That’s is not what we should be doing. Instead, we should be sharing for the purpose of obedience, for this is what the Lord has told us to do. Also, we should do it because of the love we have for our friends, and since we have salvation, wouldn’t we want them to know of the same good news too?
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Tim 4:2
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