How to Share Your Faith (no matter who is listening)
We live in a time where very little is said—and almost nothing is taught about how to talk about your faith to others. Sure, we go to church and talk about it there to other BELIEVERS, but what about sharing with people who think completely differently than we do? How can you impact others without being swallowed in silence or fear?
In the book of Acts, the Apostle Paul gives us a powerful model of how to share our faith. He was wrongfully imprisoned for two years in Caesarea and faced another sentence in Rome, landing him in a prison setting for almost six years.
One of the most notable times Paul shared his faith publicly was to a King named Agrippa. King Agrippa’s father had been a strong opponent to the early church, and he was curious about this brand of faith. When Paul was forced to speak to him, he could have cowered and backed away but instead, he gave a brilliant model we can use as a mentor today.
In Acts 26:1-6 Paul starts by acknowledging the King and his audience. He calls the King an expert in all customs and questions of the Jews. Instead of alienating the King or “over defending” himself, he compliments the King and shares his own background, giving him common ground with the King.
Share Tip #1: When explaining our faith, find what we have in common with those we’re talking to, not how we’re different.
In verses 9-15 Paul tells his personal story about encountering Jesus, and he tells it with exciting details and emotion. Your life with Jesus is NOT boring or uninteresting. If you focus on the right details at the right time, you’ll invite people to know and experience the Savior.
Share Tip #2: When you talk about your faith, add details and images that bring it to life.
Paul has everyone’s full attention because he’s given riveting details as he explains his encounter with Jesus. People may fight your theology, but they can never fight your personal experiences.
Verses 16-20 show Paul wrapping sound theology in his personal testimony of faith. He explains that Jesus has a purpose and a plan for our lives, while embedding teaching and knowledge without the listener feeling assaulted or like they’re being “worked” on.
Share Tip #3: When you share your personal story, add how it’s shaped your beliefs and actions. It’s not a cause you’re behind; it’s a person you love.
So why isn’t it easier to share? Here are four of the top reasons people shy away from sharing:
1. FEAR: We fear we might lose friends or be seen in a bad light. (Ephesians 6:19-20)
2. IGNORANCE: Sometimes we want to share, but don’t know what to say or how to support what we want to say. (1 Cor. 15:3-4)
3. ARROGANCE: Many Christians believe it’s not their job to share the good news, it’s the job of a pastor, ministry leader, missionary, or Sunday School teacher. These believers don’t want to have to explain their faith to sinners, or to move out of their comfort zones to explain truth. (Luke 5:30-32)
4. APATHY: Lots of people call themselves Christians, but don’t care about the lost. They know they won’t go to hell, but don’t care that others will! They’ve lost their first love and refuse to do what He commands when He says to GO to all the ends of the earth (and households and neighborhoods) with the good news of salvation. (Matthew 9:36) (Thanks to dare2share.org)
Gutsy Faith Challenge: Think about two people you need to tell about your faith in Jesus. How can you tell them? Perhaps ask them for coffee, call, or send a note? Or perhaps it will come in an opening at work or a conversation with a stranger. Whatever the case, you’ll be amazed by the outcome when you obey. Be assured that when you simply share your faith, the rest is in the beautiful hands of God.
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