Kristen Henderlong

For those of you who grew up in Christian circles or have been a part of the community for awhile, you might be familiar with this lingering pressure to perform, share the gospel, preach and pray for miracles over strangers.

Maybe I am wrong, but it seems like sometimes there is such an influence on Christians to go out and “share their faith” to help people “get saved.”  Words like obligation and responsibility are thrown around. I know when I was growing up I definitely felt the pressure.  Or maybe I put that pressure on myself?  I don’t know, but I felt like I wasn’t a good person if I didn’t talk about God to people all the time. 

Then I realized I don’t have to save the world… Jesus already did that. Duh.

There is a verse I recently mentioned in my writing a few weeks ago when Jesus says, “On judgement day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you.  Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’”  Ouch.

It’s not always necessary to run up to a random stranger and tell them the Gospel.  I mean does it happen? Sure… Has God asked someone to do that before? I wouldn’t doubt it.  But even then- it’s not about the person sharing, it’s about God and what He has already done.  It’s in His timing and we cannot orchestrate it ourselves.

Sometimes sharing your faith is more about your actions towards others.  If your heart is in sync with His, those actions will naturally flow out of you.  One of my favorite ways to see God using me is when I have supported a close friend in a particular way and others happen to notice.  Whether it’s a bold word of encouragement or a selfless act.  It reminds me of what Jesus said, recorded in the book of John, “Love each other… Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35 emphasis added).

I want to prove to the world that I am a follower of Jesus simply by loving others.  Then they will know the source.  They will be curious.  It may take time, but eventually they will ask questions.  It’s happened so many times when I did something or said something to a friend in the presence of others— I could feel the people watching… often perplexed… intrigued by my interactions with my friend.

When I say “loving others” I don’t mean you have to go on some big, outrageous endeavor; like spending a bunch of money or giving away your house.  I mean sure- if God is calling you to do it and He provides the means— then more power to you!  Praise God!  But what I am saying is: showing genuine love is often a small, quiet gesture.  It will be a humble thing… not something you can boast about.  Open the door for someone; look them in the eye; help a stranger pick up something they dropped; ask someone about their grandkids; offer them a cup of coffee; remember someone’s name who you met last week.

There are SO MANY people out there who have NO IDEA what real love is.  They don’t know what it means to have a friend who does something selfless for them.  They don’t know what it means to even have family who are there for them.  This could be anyone.  Obviously the homeless, orphans and handicapped tend to be less fortunate and forgotten.  Love on them.  But sometimes the people who look like they have it together are the ones who are the most lost and hurting.  Or think of that person you know who has a short fuse.  They are unapproachable and seem incorrigible.  They need love, too.

Have you ever noticed?  Have you ever done something for someone randomly because you genuinely cared and their response was just utter amazement?  Almost like there was fear in their eyes; a deer in the headlights?  Like they could not believe your genuineness?  They thought there must be a catch… there must be an ulterior motive here.  How sad is that?

Are you someone who feels that way?  Do you struggle to believe in the goodness in the world?  Because it starts with you and me.  We have the power to spread it and pay it forward.

Sharing your faith is sharing His love.

Our God is not a god of confusion and anxiety.  He says to come to Him because His burden is light and He gives true peace (Matt. 11:28-30).  His peace can reign in you and me. Therefore, if He is asking You to share your faith with someone in particular, you will have peace about it.  There will be no pressure or condemnation hanging over your head.  He creates the divine appointment.  It’s about Him and His saving grace. It’s about His love.

Seek Him. You and I don’t have to save the world.  We are not that great.  Jesus already did the work. Just let it flow out as you continue to seek Him. Don’t hold back.

Remember: You are Loved.