Tips for Sharing the Gospel of Jesus

Image by: doidam10 Canva

Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ is the greatest act of love we can offer someone. While it isn’t always easy, discipleship is an important calling. God still uses His followers to spread His good news. Our witness is strengthened as we deepen our relationship with Jesus through God’s Word, repentance, and prayer.

Jesus instructs His disciples to spread the gospel to all nations in what is known as the “Great Commission.”

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” —Matthew 28:19–20 (KJV)

While the gospel needs to spread worldwide, people in our own circle of family, friends, and community also need to hear how to receive salvation through Jesus Christ. Sharing Jesus with those we love can be the most challenging, especially if they don’t believe or live only for what the world offers. Even though the conversation comes from a place of love and concern for their eternal salvation, the other person may interpret it as hypocritical and judgmental, resulting in an argument. The timing of the conversation is important to consider.

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!’ . . . So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” —Romans 10: 14–15, 17 (NKJV)

We don’t have to be sociable or travel far to be an effective disciple. There are ways to reach people close to us and from our own homes. Based on lessons I’ve learned from attempts at sharing my faith, I suggest the following tips to be more effective when sharing the gospel of Jesus.

1. REPENTANCE—We’re called to repentance when we surrender our lives to Jesus, which means to change and turn away from repetitive sin (Acts 3:19). People may view it as hypocritical if the witness is currently living in habitual sin and not bearing good fruit (Galatians 5:22–23). We all fall short and sin, but we must strive to live in obedience. James 4:7 (KJV) tells us, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” As we grow closer to Jesus through His Word, prayer, and obedience, the Holy Spirit transforms our hearts toward pleasing Him.

2. KNOWLEDGE—It’s imperative to be prepared to present truth and answer questions through the knowledge of Scripture and evidence proving the Bible is true. This is especially necessary when talking to skeptics or non-believers. The Holy Bible is God’s love letter to us, offering instruction and guidance through life and into eternal salvation. We’re blessed to have easy access and freedom to read His Word in our country. See my January blog post, “Evidence Proving the Holy Bible is True.” It includes fascinating YouTube videos of the forms of evidence.

3. TESTIMONY—Sharing a personal journey and testimony is a beautiful way to witness to someone. We receive many blessings and rewards through faith in Jesus, including comfort, hope, joy, love, peace, and eternal salvation. Hearing how the Lord blesses others can plant a seed of faith, inspiring hope in those who listen. Encourage people to start their journey in the Word and prayer to develop a relationship with Jesus.

4. FAITH-BASED GIFTS—Giving faith-inspired gifts is a thoughtful way to share Jesus. Some of my favorite gift ideas are daily devotionals, hand-held wooden prayer crosses, and cross or mustard seed necklaces. One small gift can change someone’s life for the better.

5. INVITATION—Inviting people to church or a Bible study group is a great way to introduce people to Jesus. Scripture, sermons, and testimonies may bring them to salvation. Being surrounded by Christians allows them to ask questions and hear how God is working in others’ lives. Worship opens another door for them to be impacted by the Holy Spirit.

6. LETTER—Sending an informative and heartfelt letter to family and friends is a great way to share the love of Jesus with multiple people at one time. A letter is most effective when it communicates that it’s meant for a broader audience and does not single anyone out. This method opens the door to share personal testimony, biblical proof, and Scripture references of how Jesus is the only way to eternal salvation. Links can be attached, including my blog post “Evidence Proving the Holy Bible is True.”

7. LOVE—Presenting the gospel in a loving and informative way without condemnation avoids putting the person in a defensive position. While the Bible condones “righteous judgment” within the church, it speaks against judging others outside of the church (1 Corinthians 5:12-13). We should always mirror the love and compassion of Jesus (John 13:34).

8. PRAY—Being in prayer before and after sharing the Gospel brings the Holy Spirit into action. Pray for the Lord to open the door for meaningful conversation and give you wisdom and guidance in the moment. Ask Him also to open the person’s ears to hear, their eyes to see, and to soften their heart to receive the message with understanding and no hard feelings.

9. TRUTH—As mentioned above, being educated in Scripture is imperative. People need to know Jesus is the only way to eternal salvation (John 14:6). The topic of hell can be uncomfortable to talk about, but it’s a biblical truth people should fear (Matthew 13:50). It’s beneficial to prepare ahead of time on how to bring hell into the conversation.

10. SOCIAL MEDIA—Sharing Scripture and inspirational faith messages on social media is an easy way to reach many people. Creative designs with Scripture can be produced on Canva for social media. Following other Christians and Christian groups provides faith-based material to share. Technology opens the door to sharing Jesus with the world from home.

“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” —2 Timothy 2:1–2 (KJV)

I pray these suggestions will boost your confidence in sharing the gospel of our wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He’s worthy of our assistance and praise. Please share additional tips for sharing the gospel of Jesus in the comments below.

By: Jenny Stainback