An old maxim says, “If you want to be popular, avoid talking about politics and religion.”

It is true that these subjects often cause strife between people. However, if we are going to be witnesses for Christ, we dare not be silent about our faith. Of course, we should do so with gentleness and respect (I Peter 3:15).

On the other hand, when you offer unsolicited political views, you run the risk of offending people unnecessarily. This may forever close the ears of some people to your Christian testimony. It is foolish to pay a price that high for a mere matter of opinion.

When you do bring up spiritual matters, it is usually wise to begin casually. You can say things like, “This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” If someone shares a matter of concern, tell them you will pray about it and offer help if possible. When discussing an ethical issue, you might say, “I’m a Christian, and the Bible says this about that.” Or if you are talking about entertainment, you could recommend a Christian concert or movie.

Talking more specifically about Jesus Christ and the Gospel is intimidating for most Christians. For those who see evangelism as a terrifying thing, here is a suggestion. Stop talking about evangelism. Instead, think of it as RECOMMENDATION.

If you found a good restaurant that your friends don’t know about, wouldn’t you tell them? We share good news with those we love. Jesus offers us abundant life (John 10:10). He will give us more hope, peace and joy than the world, the flesh and the devil (Matthew 11:28-30). He gives us eternal life which can be found through nobody else (John 14:6). If we love Jesus and devote ourselves to his purpose, everything that happens to us will be for our own good (Romans 8:28). Now those are benefits we can RECOMMEND to anyone!

When it comes to the matter of sharing our faith, here is one final word of exhortation from Psalm 107:2. “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story–those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.”

Brian Giese

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The Kewanee Voice.