Crosswalk the Devotional - Feb. 9, 2009

February 9, 2009

Sharing the Good News 
by Sarah Jennings, Crosswalk.com Family Editor

I have not hid thy saving help within my heart, I have spoken of thy faithfulness and thy salvation.
Psalm 40: 10

Rule number one of polite conversation: Never talk about religion or politics.

I was on a train from New York to Richmond when a young man took the seat next to me. At first, we kept to ourselves, I immersed in St. Therese’s Story of a Soul and he flipping through a magazine. At some point in the 7-hour journey, he glanced at the cover of my book, and observing the black-and-white picture of a nun on the cover, inquired about my faith.

I affirmed, that yes, I was Christian. He looked at my youthful features and back at the old-fashioned book.

“Interesting. I don’t know much about your religion.”

“What’s your background?”

“I’m Muslim.”

I eyed his American clothing, short hair, and clean-shaven face. Now I was intrigued.

“Really? How did 9-11 affect you?”

The question slipped out before I had time to think. But what unfolded was a fascinating conversation. I learned this young American was unsure of his beliefs, and that back at college he was dating a girl from a Christian background who also struggled. He had many questions about why a young person like me would decide to commit my life to Christ – even when it meant living differently than my peers.

Looking back on that conversation, I see it was the work of the Holy Spirit that allowed me, an introvert, to delve into those tough topics with such ease and clarity with a complete stranger. I also marvel at the fact that he seemed just as comfortable as I was. We parted ways upon the train’s arrival to Richmond, wishing each other the best in life.

Today’s cultural climate can make sharing the Gospel feel intimidating, but the conversation on that train proved to me that it doesn’t require a Ph.D. in apologetics or an ordination from an impressive seminary to effectively discuss matters of faith. People like you and me can have a powerful impact on many. I've had the opportunity to discuss matter of faith many more times since that conversation. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned in the past several years that may be of help to you, especially if you have a more reserved personality like me:

Show respect. I am increasingly seeing that true evangelizing is more about relationship than “rightness.” Few people respond well to pushy preaching or pride-filled debates. Try showing a genuine interest in and respect for others’ ideas and beliefs, even if you don’t agree with them.

Be yourself. Share your faith in a way that is natural to you and to the other person. Don’t feel pressured to throw around fancy words or tell miraculous tales if that’s not how you normally talk. God loves to work through our natural gifts – I have one friend whose beautiful singing voice has inspired many to seek a closer relationship with God.

Be knowledgeable. While we don’t need to be scholars, I find the more I know about key tenets of my faith, the more I have to offer when a door opens for discussion. Constantly expand your knowledge so that you will “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you.” (1 Pe 3: 15)

Remember that Christ is the only Savior. While it is our job to share what God has done for us, it’s not our job to convince a person to become Christian. Conversion is an individual’s free will response to God’s grace, not a product of coercion.

And lastly, for those of us who are really shy about speaking up about the faith, you may appreciate St. Francis of Assisi’s approach:

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”

If you and I seek to live godly lives, who knows how many people could come to know Christ through our actions alone?

Intersecting Faith & Life: Strike up a conversation with someone about the Christian faith this week and see where the Holy Spirit takes you.

Further Reading