Evangelizing Through Kindness

One afternoon, I found myself giving serious thought to the needs and hurts of many of my friends at work. I wanted them to have what I had: Christ’s love and healing power in my life. I realized I might be one of the few–if only–people in their lives able to introduce them to Him. I asked myself, “Should I be proactively witnessing, asking friends if they know where they’re going when they die?”

Immediately I shied away from this thought. But, it was the only way I’d been taught to “witness.” That was how well-meaning preachers at my grade school had taught me to evangelize. They also promoted door-to-door visitations and leaving tracts on tables at restaurants. But none of these styles excited me. Maybe “spreading the gospel” just wasn’t a skill of mine.

But I knew that was just a cop out. After all, I did have a deep desire for my friends to experience and know Christ. I just never knew how to bring Him up in conversation without it sounding ridiculous.

I imagined greeting my work friends in the morning on our way to the kitchen for coffee.  As I pour creamer into my mug I say, “Hey, have you ever considered where you’ll be spending eternity–heaven or hell?” Yikes! Why did it never seem like an appropriate time or place to witness to others?

I was stuck. Not only did I feel guilty for not wanting to talk about the God I loved, but I also felt frustrated for being so silent about Someone for whom I was so passionate.  I asked God to show me a way. I prayed that he would help me share Christ and His love without alienating my co-workers.

His kindness leads me to repentance.

God reminded me that it was His kindness which drew me to Him and brought about my own transformation. Many have noted Jesus’ gentlemanly behavior in that He “stands at the door” of our hearts and knocks. Jesus never forced himself on others, nor did He scare them into choosing His way. God reminded me to always be kind, never forceful when introducing Him to others.

Judge not, lest ye be judged.

Remember the adulterous woman in John 8? In verse 5, Jesus says to the Pharisees accusing her, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”

Jesus was the only one without sin; only He could have thrown the stone. But He chose to show mercy and said to her, “Neither do I condemn you.”

God showed me how detrimental it can be to accuse my friends by pointing out their sins. It is hopeless to think they will be drawn to Christ. On the contrary, they will only feel condemned.  Scripture calls our enemy the “accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10).  By showing mercy to my coworkers I can demonstrate Christ’s love to them and leave the job of convicting hearts to the Holy Spirit.

Actions speak louder than words.

Thousands believed on Jesus’ name simply because of what He did for them as He walked this earth. He made blind people to see again and lame people to walk. Likewise, through a believer’s actions, Christ is displayed to all those around.

My husband is approached on almost a weekly basis about his faith.  He is not a preacher; he is a chiropractic student. But because he so often puts the needs of others before his own, acquaintances naturally ask him why. God reminded me that my actions are a stronger witness than my words alone.

Love each other.

God also directed me to verses in I Corinthians 13:  If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal…If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”

So, if I have all the right words to say when witnessing, but don’t speak to my friends in love, then I’m just making a lot of noise! Even if I give sacrificially to my friends and coworkers, but don’t give out of love, then all I have done amounts to nothing.

If you find yourself shying away from “cold-call” witnessing, or feel it is just not appropriate in certain situations, don’t be dismayed! God still wants you to reach others.  Ask Him for wisdom and how to share with those you are burdened to reach. Start out by being kind and merciful and demonstrating Christ through your actions. But above all, do everything in love.

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