As Christians, the kindest, most honest thing we could do for our friends who don’t know Jesus is simple: telling them what he’s done for you. Do you know someone who’s been on the edge of faith for a while now, and you’ve been putting off sharing your testimony with them? It can feel slightly vulnerable, or weirdly intense, but that shouldn’t put us off. Introduce them to Jesus – and deepen that friendship.
“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ...” (Colossians 4:3 NIV)
The morning spring air was fresh and the streets a gentle hum of activity: students making their way to lectures, shops and stalls opening, commuters striding to work, tourists warming up their cameras.
Another day in Cambridge had begun.
I am not from the area so I had arrived early to explore the city before meeting with friends later. Walking around looking for somewhere to have breakfast, I prayed. ‘Lord, use me as you wish today,’ I offered (with more than a hint of trepidation), ‘and may there be opportunities to share your love with others.’
That afternoon I was in a pub reading over a beer when a man, perhaps in his 60s, entered. I looked up and offered a smile. To him it must have been an invitation to talk as he walked towards me explaining that he was waiting for a bus. He then went on to tell me more about himself, and along the way we got talking about church and some of the reservations he had over Christianity.
I tried to answer his questions, nervously wondering if it made any sense. And then it dawned on me that the best thing I could do was share my testimony. The power of the gospel is revealed by the depths it goes to redeem and I didn’t want to make light of my propensity to mess up. So I opened up a little. I then looked into his eyes and told him that God loves him too. Everything began to feel very weird and, being honest, I was consciously trying to keep my voice down so as to not draw attention.
I expected the man to brush off my words, pour cold water (or beer) over them, or change the subject. But he didn’t. He seemed moved, like a chord was struck. A few minutes later he went to catch his bus. Watching him leave I was overcome with gratitude – for God answering prayer, bringing us together, and giving me a few moments’ bumbling courage to share my faith. The results I can only leave to God. But I am hopeful our encounter did something good.
Paul’s prayer in Colossians 4:3 is one we should repeat regularly with expectancy and excitement, for God is so eager to answer, often in the most surprising of ways. As for us, we just need to be ready for those opportunities, receptive when they arise, and responsive by making the very most of them.
CHALLENGE:
Humble yourself today to meet a friend, a family member, or even a stranger where they are at. Allow your openness and honesty to deepen your relationship with them, and use any opportunities to share your faith in Jesus.
Contributed by Tim Bechervaise - Tim is a graduate in theology and currently works at a residential care home. Writing, photography, speciality coffee shops and donuts tend to keep Tim content. Tottenham Hotspur sometimes does.