Believer's Life

Sharing the Gospel for Timid Hearts

David Scott Fields II, Senior Writer • January 7, 2025

ALL THE WORLD – As Christians, we are called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the world around us. But what does that look like in the context of everyday life? For many believers, the thought of sharing the Gospel can seem terrifying. As it is the most important news in the history of the world, it is easy to worry that we will mess it up or that people will respond negatively. Unfortunately, many believers have opted to keep this blessed truth to themselves and leave the preaching of the Gospel to just pastors and other church leaders. However, if you truly belong to Christ, this is not an option. Sharing the Gospel is your mandate. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV). By understanding what the Gospel is and learning practical ways to communicate it, we can live out the Great Commission with confidence and joy.

What is the Gospel?

Before we can share the Gospel, we must first understand what it is. Unfortunately, in our world at this time there are many false gospels and false teachers trying to distort the truth, so it is important to know what the Bible actually means by “Gospel.”

The word “Gospel” means “good news,” and it centers on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The term literally comes from the idea of declaring a victory after a battle. There has never been any greater victory than Christ’s triumph over sin and death, and at its core our Gospel message must include the following:

First, we have to take it back to the beginning and the Lord’s original design. God created the world and humanity to be in perfect relationship with Him. Genesis 1:27 tell us, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (ESV). Just take a moment to imagine that – as image bearers of God, we were designed to live in unbroken fellowship with Him forever. However, through Satan’s temptation of our first parents, Adam and Eve, sin entered the world and that relationship was shattered, separating us from God (Romans 3:23).

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You see, sin is far more than just making a mistake. It is deliberate rebellion against God Himself. Every time we choose to sin, we are choosing to reject the Lord and all He is. The penalty for that sin is death, both physical and spiritual. As it is written in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (ESV). Everyone faces physical death at some point, but for the one who dies in their sins something much worse awaits. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 shares that, “They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might…” In other words, they will suffer for eternity in Hell! However, the scriptures are also clear that “…Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13 ESV). So our Lord had a much better solution in mind.

God the Father, in His love, sent His Son, Jesus, to live a sinless life and then suffer the wrath we deserve by dying on a Roman cross for our sins. However, because it is impossible for death to hold onto Him, Christ rose to life again, defeating death and with it sin (see Acts 2:24). The Father was well pleased with the death of His Son for sin, and so now we have the hope that “…whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, ESV).

By actively rejecting and turning from our sins (repenting) and placing our faith in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, reconciled to God, and given the gift of eternal life! As Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (ESV).

This message is the greatest hope of the world, the very heart of Christianity. We must share it with joy every opportunity we get!

Practical Ways to Share the Gospel

Sharing the Gospel doesn’t always mean preaching from a pulpit or going on a mission trip. It can happen naturally as part of our daily lives. Here are some practical ways to share the Good News:

First, live as a Christian! It should be clear to the people around you that you are different. If you look exactly like the world, why should anyone listen to you when you call them to repent? Your actions often speak louder than words, and false Christians are usually revealed by their actions. By living a life marked by love, kindness, and integrity, you demonstrate the transforming power of Christ to those around you. Matthew 5:16 explains, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (ESV). Your holy life has the ultimate purpose that others will give glory to God because of it.

Your efforts to share the Gospel will be most effective in the context of relationships. While some are gifted at sharing the Gospel with strangers on the street, most are not. However, if you take the time to invest in getting to know your neighbors, coworkers, and friends, trust will grow. And in these trusting relationships opportunities to share your faith will naturally arise. Ultimately, the goal is love. Love breaks down barriers and truly reveals the heart of Christ. As He shared with His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35, ESV).

As you love, acts of service will come naturally and open doors for Gospel conversations. Whether it’s helping a neighbor with yard work, volunteering at a local shelter, or simply listening to someone in need, these acts of love can point others to Christ. Hebrews 13:16 reminds us to “…not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (ESV).

As you grow in love, service, and trust with those around you, they are naturally going to have questions. 1 Peter 3:15 commands us to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (NIV). Your personal testimony of how you came to faith is a powerful tool. Share how God has worked in your life and how He continues to sustain you. Keep it simple and relatable, focusing on God’s grace.

As they ask questions about your hope, this will prove an opportunity for you to ask them questions about where they stand with Christ. You can ask questions like, “What do you believe about Christ?” or “Do you believe you will go to Heaven when you die? Why?” Each situation will prompt its own questions, but if the Lord is guiding you, be assured you will ask the right ones. Listen carefully and respectfully to their answers, and share the hope you have in Christ. As we are reminded in Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (ESV).

Eventually, every Gospel conversation will end, but that does not mean God stops working. A way you can continue to be a part of that Gospel work is by giving your friend a Bible, a Christian book, or even inviting them to your church. Offer to read or attend with them to answer any questions they might have. As it is written, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17, ESV).

And finally pray! Prayer is essential in evangelism. It is the great work of the Christian because through it we go directly into the presence of the Lord in the best way we can before Glory. In prayer, ask God to give you opportunities to share the Gospel and the courage to take them. Pray for specific people in your life who need to know Christ. Always remember to “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ” (Colossians 4:2-3, ESV).

Overcoming Common Challenges

Many Christians hesitate to share the Gospel because they feel unqualified or fear rejection. Remember, the Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses. Jesus did not leave His Apostles abandoned, but said, “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8, ESV).

That same Holy Spirit lives in true believers today. Our job is simply to faithfully share His message. The postman delivers the letters, but he cannot make people read them. In the same way, we can only share the Gospel; it is God alone who changes hearts.

As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth” (ESV). Let God give the growth and you just be a faithful messenger. And when faced with tough questions, don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know the answer. Offer to find out and follow up later. This shows humility and a genuine desire to engage, and it reminds you that the true work of the Gospel belongs to Christ.

Conclusion

Sharing the Gospel in everyday life is not about having all the right words or a perfect strategy; it’s about being faithful to point others to Jesus through your words and actions. As you go about your day, remember that every interaction is an opportunity to reflect Christ and share His love. Have the attitude of Paul who said, “…I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16, ESV). The Gospel is the greatest news anyone could ever hear, and God has entrusted us with the privilege of sharing it. Let’s be bold and faithful in proclaiming His truth!