Have you ever felt guilty because you did not say something to someone about Christ? Do you feel obligated to speak your mind about a particular sin? Do you feel it is your duty as a Christian to force every opportunity into a chance to tell someone about salvation or to point out where you think they are wrong?
Quite frankly I disagree with all of the above. I agree that some people have the gift of evangelism and should be using that gift to the fullest under the guidance of the Spirit. I also feel that not all of us need to be forcing the issue with those we come in contact each day.
As Christians we are told to love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind and love others as ourselves. When we live our lives each day under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the love of God, the way we act will be a witness to God’s love.
Anyone can speak words…words of condemnation, words of how we should live for God, words against particular sins but words themselves have no strength. It is daily living in the power of the Spirit and letting the love of God touch others that makes a difference. When we consistently live in the love of God and the guidance of the Spirit it has more impact than thousands of words.
We need to remember that it is the Holy Spirit that convicts and draws people to the Father. It is not our job to be condemning people and trying to prove to them that they are sinning against God.
God’s word says that we should live a quiet life, working with our hands and being ready to give an account of the hope that is within us.
1 Thessalonians 4:11, 12 – Do all you can to live a peaceful life. Take care of your own business and do your own work as we have already told you. If you do, then people who are not believers will respect you, and you will not have to depend on others for what you need. (New Century Version).
1 Peter 3:15 – Through thick and thin keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you are living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy (The Message).
Notice we are told to be ready to speak up when asked. Go about your daily routine, minding your business, living a peaceful life, but be ready at all times to give an answer about salvation and God’s love when someone asks, and always in love and without judgment and condemnation. Only when the Holy Spirit is leading the opportunity and the words will it make an impact on the person anyway.
By living this lifestyle and not forcing our views on others, the words we say will have more meaning to those who are wondering about the hope that is within us.
Yes, good comment. Thank you.
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It brings to mind this scripture for me: “Because of the conversation (way of living) of the Jews, God’s name became a curse (word).” Because the Jews lived antithetically to their profession of faith, God was disrespected. I feel it is the same with us Christians today. We need to act christlike, not speak christianeze and complain about “the war on Christmas”. Then and only then will God be recognized as he truly is, a good and loving God.
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So true. Thanks Daryl.
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Couldn’t agree more.The pressure many have put on them to “witness” is so detrimental…..not only to their own spiritual walk,but also to the poor people that have to listen to them. To “witness or speak about Christ” when not led to by the Holy Spirit,to another who is not even being convicted by the Holy Spirit,will seldom bear any fruit. What it often does produce is either a false sense of righteousness and pride,or a false sense of guilt.
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Thank you Kris. So many times I hear people say one thing then act completely different. It can be aggravating.
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I have said this over and over to people. I have one friend in particular that I have said this to time and time again. Words are empty many times. When you come from a place in life that “Christian” words have been used as a weapon they no longer mean much. I want to “see”‘Christ and “see” his love in action. Don’t tell me what you believe….show me! Awesome article with a much needed message! Keep up the good work!
God Bless you,
Kris
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