There are many situations where it’s extremely difficult not to respond to someone, like when a person has just pushed the wrong buttons. For most of us, what’s needed is a moment or two to reflect on whether your instant reaction, if expressed, will make things better—or, more likely, worse.
We all are given opportunities to stand for Jesus. Will we be courageous or silent? It would likely offend someone, It would hurt their feelings, It would make you seem defensive, closed-minded, or even cantankerous. But, it can never be a regrettable move.
You must witness because you love the unsaved (if you don’t, you should). The most loving thing you can do is present the Gospel in hopes of bringing others to salvation.
Galatians 5:22 lists love as one of the fruits of the Spirit. It is love’s nature to give. Take for example John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son . . . ” Love gives, and if you have only a small portion of His love, you will want to give to others.
Witness because it is a wise thing to do. Prov. 11:30 says, ” . . . he who is wise wins souls.” Now, I know I am not a very wise person. But, since God says that I’ll be wise to win souls–or try to–then great, let me at it. I want to be wise in God’s sight.
The angels of Heaven rejoice greatly when anyone passes from judgment into salvation (Luke 15:10). Shouldn’t we as Christians rejoice, too? Shouldn’t we weep over the lost?
Shouldn’t we ask the Lord of the field to send laborers into His harvest (Luke 10:2)? Certainly! The salvation of others is the goal of your efforts. The love of God is your motive. Is there anything greater? So, give.
When someone appeals to God and seeks forgiveness in Jesus, his sins are removed, he is cleansed, his relationship with God is restored, and he is made a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17). All of this is the work of God, not man.
Remember, the gospel is preached after sin is made known. Because the sinner cannot come to God on his own, he must be convicted of his sin and thus be made aware of his need for salvation. The conviction of sin is beyond our control. It is the work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8).
Prayer is an essential part of witnessing. When you witness, you must pray. Then you are free to spread the gospel as effectively as you want and to trust God to give the increase (1Cor. 3:6-7).
editor@ugchristiannews.com
