Sharing the Gospel is a task assigned to each and every believer in Jesus Christ and as Christians we should all want to share our faith with our friends, families and even strangers but doing so can be hard for some. One of the reasons for people not sharing the Gospel is fear; fear of not knowing what to say or where to start, fear of offending others, fear of failure, fear of getting questions you may not know the answer to and the list can go on and on. One preacher puts it perfectly, if you’re afraid of sharing the Gospel, don’t pray for less fear, pray for more love. Indeed, the Gospel is about love and if we truly love others then we should want them to know about how much they are loved by God.
What is the Gospel?
“The Gospel is the Good News of what God has done in Christ to save us.”
The word Gospel literally means “good news.” It is the Good News of what God has done in Jesus Christ to ensure our salvation. God created us to rule over all creation but our first parents Adam and Eve rebelled against God’s word setting the entire world on a downward spiral, separating us from God and earning his judgement. The Good News is that because of God’s great mercy, he provided us a way to be saved from his judgement and to be made right with Him. The way is through Jesus Christ.
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21
The Message of the Gospel
The true Gospel message is that Jesus, who is God in the flesh, has obeyed God perfectly and has won our salvation as a result. Through his death, the debt owed by humanity for disobeying God was paid. Not only did Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross save us from God’s wrath and judgement but it also restored our relationship with God allowing us free access to him. We don’t have to hide or be afraid of his judgement. The good news gets even better because the story of our salvation doesn’t end with Jesus’ death on the cross.
He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Romans 4:25
The culmination of the Gospel is the great news that Jesus rose from the dead, after which he ascended into heaven where he now intercedes for us (1 John 2:1). Even though our salvation was completed at the cross (John 19:30), Jesus’s love and care for us continues in heaven where He is seated at the right hand of God the Father, defending us against Satan, who is constantly pointing out our sins to God.
Why Share the Gospel?
One day He will return and judge the world in righteousness. He will remove from this world all sin and all causes of sin and will restore the world to a state of peace, prosperity and flourishing and all those who have received him as their Lord and Savior will participate in his rule and enjoy his goodness forever. This is exactly the kind of hope that this world needs. People need to know that there will be an “after this,” and that in the end good triumphs over evil, light over darkness, joy over sadness.
The reasons for sharing this good news are many. Firstly, God commands us to (Mathew 19:28). Secondly, it is life changing. There are many people walking around with broken pieces, bound by trauma or sickness and so many go through life with no hope of their lives or their situation ever changing. However, God wants to help us, he wants to heal us, to restore our hope and fill us with joy. Many will not come to this life changing truth unless we share it (Romans 10:14-15). If you’ve received the gospel and it has changed your life wouldn’t you also want the same for others, especially those you love? Freely you’ve been given, therefore freely you must give this beautiful message of the gospel that has transformed your life.
Where to start?
The best and most consistent way to share the gospel is to live a life that testifies about Jesus. Be kind, live at peace with all (Romans 12:18) and demonstrate the love of Christ through your actions as much as through your words. Share the word of God lovingly with others. Start with the your family, your friends or coworkers. It can be intimidating for some to talk to others about God because of fear but remember that fear does not come from God (2 Timothy 1:7). Pray for love to overrule your fear because fear cannot stand against love. See each person as just that, a person – with a life, feelings, hopes, fears and dreams just like you – not as a project to be saved. Understand that you can’t save anyone. That’s God’s job; you can however be obedient to His command by sharing his word.
Finally, pray continually. Prayer can’t be stressed enough. This is our very connection to God. He directs those who faithfully seek him, so keep praying. Pray especially for those you’re sharing the gospel with. Study the word of God and always be prepared to share it (1 Peter 3:15). Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you and be confident. Remember as a believer in Jesus Christ you have something that the world needs and that is hope, so share it as freely as you’ve received it.
Here are some tips on sharing your faith.