The term ‘evangelism’ use to always make me feel nervous. Every time they use to challenge us at church to share about the amazing grace and love that Jesus offers with our friends and colleagues, I use to always convince myself that it wasn’t my job and I wasn’t gifted in it so I shouldn’t have to do it. Why did I do that? Why was I so afraid to share about the impact Jesus had on my life and the hope and joy that He gives me? Why didn’t I want the people that I cared about to know about Jesus’ unconditional love for them and His desire for them to know them, despite the things they had done in the past and their inability to live a perfect life in the future? Didn’t I want my closest family and friends to receive salvation and live in eternity with me? Isn’t that more important than their possible rejection and judgement on me?
I know every person who calls themselves as a follower of Jesus Christ is commissioned to share the good news about Jesus’ love and His offer of salvation. Matthew 28:19 says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” In Acts 22, Paul used to stand up amongst crowds of people and confidently share his testimony about how Jesus had changed his life. He had no shame, and it was incredible to read his experience of how Jesus impacted His life and how he was so convinced and convicted to share his story. Despite people’s rejection, punishment and possible death sentence, he still spoke out because He knew Jesus was real and worth knowing and believing,
Working with Causeway Coast Vineyard Church last month in Ireland allowed me to see and experience effective yet simple evangelism in practice. Evangelism wasn’t just about preaching about Jesus with others like Paul did, it was also loving them through action like Jesus did in the bible. Some examples we were able to be a part of this month included:
- Foodbank – Donating and giving food items to people who are in need
- Compassion WEARhouse – Donating and giving clothes or furniture items to people in need
- Healing on the Streets – Praying for healing with God’s authority & power through the name of Jesus Christ
- Destination: Home – Connecting and forming relationships with young people
- Encounter– Specifically and intentionally going out to town to pray for people
- Carboot Sale – Connecting and forming relationships with the locals
These projects allowed the church to be good stewards of Jesus’ love, grace and providence, and to really practice ways to love people like Jesus did for us. In Matthew 10:8b, “Freely you have received, freely give.” We had the privilege to be a part of these projects and really see people come to know Jesus Christ for who He really is and why He came down to earth. “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10b).
As a follower of Jesus Christ, how are you loving people like Jesus did? Is there anything practical you can do to show the love of Jesus that He has given you to the people in your community or can you step out of your comfort zone and seek someone out that you can pray for?
As a person who is still confused or sceptical about whether Jesus Christ is real or not, is there anything that I can pray for you? I am sorry if I haven’t been the best steward of Jesus’ love, grace and providence, but I would love to start practising and share Jesus’ love with you, with the love He has given me.
