Seven Tips for Sharing Your Faith

Italy’s public health system is a great blessing for us! Without it we would have gone without medical care at times. We appreciate having quality care and treatment at no or low out-of-pocket costs. But it’s always been our family dottori (doctors) that we value the most.

Even though we often seem to amuse them with our foreign ways and ideas! But that’s not a bad thing. Because it makes them curious about why we’re living here. And once we’ve told them, they often say, “Tell me more!”

Tell me More

Our last doctor was especially curious. She often asked about our faith and even asked us for advice. “Your relationship is still so wonderful after all these years,” she said. “And since I’m not married, I need advice for a married couple with serious problems.”

Not that we’re the most ideal couple – far from it. We don’t have all the secrets to a perfect marriage. Even after 46 years, we’re still learning!

I share this only as an encouragement. Because most of us wonder at times how to share our faith. What should we say? When and how?

We never shared much with that doctor, as her waiting room was usually full. It’s not that we don’t talk about our faith, because we do. But it usually starts with letting our light shine.

We live in a hurting world that is hungry for peace and joy. And when others see these things in us, they will often seek us out and say, “Tell me more!” Sometimes we give a brief testimony, sometimes it goes deeper. But either way, we are planting little seeds and then they can continue to observe our lives. The Holy Spirit does the rest.

1. 🧍 Be yourself

Don’t try to be something you’re not. If you do, your testimony may seem stilted and unnatural. Or even fake and hypocritical.

2. 😊 Start by making friends

So many people are starving for friendship and real relationships. They need to know that they can trust you. Bring them into your life, your family, and your circle. This can create opportunities to share Christ in an easy and natural way. And make them feel included, loved, and important.

3. ❓ Don’t try to have all the answers

Especially to questions that they haven’t thought of asking. Remember that unsolicited advice is like a hole in the head. And who wants one of those?

Don’t try to provide answers to deep questions that are beyond you. There is nothing wrong with saying, “I don’t know.” Bear witness to what you do know, starting with how Christ has changed your life. How He helps you in your family, your marriage, and other relationships. Share the peace and joy you find in Him.

5. 🌍 Seek to understand your cultural context

In many places people don’t know who Christ is or understand that they are sinners in need of salvation. Even in Western nations which are now largely post-Christian. We often have to first explain who God and Jesus are, and why every person needs salvation.

6. 🚶 Live your message

Even when you think no one is watching. Honesty and integrity speak loud and clear. It draws people in, while insincerity will only turn them away.

7. ❤️ Show real love

Reach out to others because you care about them and want what’s best for them. Don’t treat them like an evangelism project or an item on your to-do list. Be their friend, listen to their concerns. Be there for them and lend a helping hand when you can. Our actions often speak louder than our words. And they are often the key that unlocks even the hardest of hearts!

Do you try to witness for Christ wherever you go – and sometimes even with words?

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:15 NIV

📷 Image credits: girls talking; men talking