08/02/2026
THE ART OF SHARING
Last month, we spent three lessons together speaking about ‘Everyday Evangelism’. In those lessons we discussed ways that we represent Jesus in our lives to the world. We represent Him by our everyday activity. Our words, our actions, our thoughts and behaviors. Remember that the Word tells us to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. By that love we represent Jesus. (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37)
Our love for God is shown by our love for others. Be it the simple ‘giving a cup of cold water’ to one who asks or we observe their need. And it stretches to “greater love than no man that this that a man lay down his life for a friend.” (John 15:13) And everything in between. Yes, that includes sharing Jesus with words. Jesus used words to talk about Himself, and the Apostles had to use words to speak about Jesus. Words spoken and words written, not just the words lived.
So, I proposed that we look at some passages as tutors in this area. First, we must realize that the Resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith. Remember Paul’s words, “And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty…And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!... If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” (I Corinthians 15:14,17,19).
Next, as Christians, followers of Jesus Christ, we must be loving. If we want others to take our message seriously, we need to become credible messengers. Next, we must humble in our speech. We are not here to win arguments. We want to lead a sincere person to the truth.
The Bible is our instruction guide. It teaches us about the attitude we should have while sharing our faith.
Solomon shared, “A soft {gentle} answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.” (Proverbs 15:1-2) Often it is not so much what we say as it is in the way we say it that will prompt responses. Study Abigail’s approach to David when he was angry. (I Samuel 25:12ff. See Proverbs 25:15).
Paul writes for us, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:6) This passage points to I Peter 3:15 – being ready to give an answer for the hope within you as observed by others who ask. This Colossian passage may point to the world’s false observation about Christians.
Context – verse 5 –“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.” First Century context – Early Christians were viewed with suspicion, distrust, and distained. They had little to no respect as the Early Church was made up of mostly women and slaves. Exactly the type of people Jesus cared for.
They were considered Atheists as they would not worship Ceasar nor the many gods of the society, local or otherwise. They were unpatriotic because they would not burn increase before the image of the Ceasar. (There were marketplaces where you had to do so to enter). They were accused of having or**es as Christians spoke of and held ‘love feasts. (Jude 3) This is ironic as that was the primary worship of pagan feasts.
To the outside world, Christians were cannibals due to the practice of the Lord’s supper.
Today, how are Christins perceived. The ancient charges no longer exist, but today there are new charges. Funny but Patriotic fervor can be one charge. Next Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) Thus, we are exclusive. Church History has not been great…crusades and inquisitions.
And our divisions; 400, 4000, over 45,000 worldwide today! Why church unity is vitally important. Jesus prayed “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” (John 17:21-23)
We have a long way to go in presenting the Perfect God and Saving Son of God. (To be continued).
