Most of us are not wired as evangelists. We don’t see ourselves as preachers or teachers of the gospel. If we’re truthful, there may be a day or two or a week or two before the name Jesus comes out of our mouths and into the ears of someone who does not believe in Christ. Maybe even longer.
It could be that more people would come to Christ if we spoke more often to others about His impact in our lives, and what He promises for all who accept Him as their Savior and Lord.
More likely, our hope is that people will see Jesus in us, people will see how we treat others, how we care for others, how we choose our words, perhaps our generosity.
Rather than evangelizing the gospel through preaching and teaching, perhaps we are more comfortable with the hope that others will see the fruits of the Holy Spirit in us – our love, our joy, our peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and our self-control.
And that, is where the real challenge may be for followers of Christ; not the seemingly uncomfortable task of verbally proclaiming the gospel to every person who crosses our path, but whether or not we are intentionally exhibiting the fruits of Jesus’ Holy Spirit in us.
Do we reflect the love, joy and peace of Christ? Are we patient, kind and generous? Are we living out the “faith” in our faithfulness? Do others see us as humble, giving all thanks to God? And, do we practice self-control, rejecting that which God would not bless?
St. Francis of Assisi offered this sage advice, “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.” His world was just as conflicted as ours, and his counsel is just as applicable.
The Gospel is best-preached by the fruits of Christ’s Spirit, alive and evident in us. The life of a committed Christ-follower requires constant introspection and prayer. How are we sharing the good news of Jesus Christ these days?
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