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Whenever you read an exceptionally good book or experience something that is especially moving to you, what is the first thing you want to do? If you’re like me, you want to share it with someone who will join in your excitement and reap the same benefits you have gained.
Why then, when it comes to sharing our faith with those outside of Christ, do we often hesitate or fall silent altogether? I believe the number one reason is fear. Fear of being rejected and losing the relationship. Fear of not knowing the answer to a spiritual question someone might ask. Fear of looking like a hypocrite because our own life circumstances aren’t perfectly in line. We allow these fears to paralyze us and stifle our influence for Christ.
Perhaps we need to be reminded of Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. God not only provides the message of life and salvation, He also gives us the strength and courage to share that message with others. We already have all we need, if we will only trust Him at His word.
Sharing My Faith is the focus of the December Living Our Mission devotional readings. These daily scriptures will challenge us to be more active in sharing our hope in Christ with those who don’t know Him yet and will give us specific guidelines on how to do that. And this time of year, when the birth of Jesus is on the forefront of people’s minds, is the perfect time to begin putting our commitment of sharing our faith into practice.
So this holiday season, give others a gift of encouragement and hope by sharing how the Lord has blessed you through your life in Him. It might be the most precious, long-lasting gift they ever receive!
Jan Knox