> Sharing one’s faith is a fundamental aspect of being a Christian for several reasons, and it carries benefits for the Christian, aligns with God’s will, and offers potential transformation for the one being evangelized. Here’s a breakdown of these benefits and the implications of not sharing the Gospel.
Benefits for the Christian
- Spiritual Growth: Sharing faith challenges and strengthens the Christian’s understanding and conviction, leading to deeper spiritual maturity. For example, A young woman named Sarah decided to join a mission trip to a developing country. Through sharing her faith with others and witnessing their responses, she found that her own understanding and commitment to her beliefs deepened. The experience challenged her to live out her faith more authentically and to rely on it in difficult situations.
- Obedience: Sharing the Gospel is fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), demonstrating obedience to God’s commands.
- Joy and Fulfillment: There is profound joy and fulfillment in playing a part in God’s plan for others, witnessing the transformative power of the Gospel in someone’s life. To illustrate the point, after moving to a new city, John felt isolated and struggled to find a sense of community. He started attending a local church and participated in their outreach programs. Sharing his faith through these programs helped him build meaningful relationships and find a supportive community that made his new city feel like home.
God’s Will Being Done
- Expansion of God’s Kingdom: Sharing the Gospel furthers God’s kingdom on earth, bringing more people into a saving relationship with Him. Romans 10:14 highlights the importance of preaching the Gospel so that others may believe and call on the name of the Lord. “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
- Demonstration of Love: It’s an act of love that aligns with God’s character, as He desires that no one should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
- Glorification of God: Through evangelism, the grace, mercy, and love of God are proclaimed, revealing His glory and majesty.
Benefits for the One Being Evangelized
- Salvation: The most profound benefit is the opportunity for salvation, eternal life, and a personal relationship with God.
- Transformation: The Gospel offers the power to transform lives, bringing peace, hope, and purpose. For example, Mark was struggling with substance abuse and felt trapped in a cycle of addiction. An encounter with a co-worker who shared his own story of recovery through faith led Mark to explore the Christian faith for himself. This new spiritual perspective inspired him to seek help and make significant positive changes in his life, ultimately leading to recovery and a renewed sense of purpose.
- Community: Becoming part of the Christian community provides support, love, and guidance for navigating life’s challenges. For example, Emily, who had gone through a period of severe depression, found solace and hope through a friend who shared the Christian message of love, redemption, and hope with her. This act of sharing not only provided Emily with emotional support during a difficult time but also introduced her to a faith community that continued to support her on her journey to recovery.
If a Christian Chooses Not to Share the Gospel
- Missed Opportunities: Both the Christian and the potential believer miss out on the blessings and transformative power that come from sharing and receiving the Gospel.
- Disobedience: Not sharing the Gospel when opportunities arise can be seen as disobedience to Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations. The Great Commission, in Matthew 28:19-20 underscores the responsibility of Christians to share their faith. And while not specifically about sharing the Gospel, Proverbs 3:27 tells us not to withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act. James 4:17 goes further to say, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”
- Stunted Growth: Christians may experience stunted spiritual growth by not engaging in evangelism, as sharing one’s faith can be a significant catalyst for deeper faith and understanding. Furthermore, Ezekiel 33:6, 8-9 suggests that if a watchman for Israel sees danger coming and does not warn the people, he is responsible for the consequences. Does this imply that we have a responsibility to warn others of spiritual danger?
- Regret: There may be a sense of regret for not having taken the opportunity to share the hope and love found in Jesus Christ with someone who needed to hear it.
In summary, sharing one’s faith is not just a duty but a privilege that benefits the sharer, aligns with God’s will, and has the potential to eternally benefit the receiver. Choosing not to share the Gospel can result in missed opportunities for growth, transformation, and fulfillment of God’s plan for both the Christian and those they might have reached.
