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THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT?

In a court of law, a person swears to tell a truthful version of every single thing they witnessed. Does that same standard apply to us as we share the truth about Jesus with others? Let’s take a look.

I grew up with a comprehensive understanding of the gospel. It was a fleshed-out version of 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, including who God is, who Jesus is—His death, burial, and resurrection, and how we can become a child of God by recognizing our sin and placing our trust in Jesus for forgiveness and eternal life.

Sharing the gospel was done through activities like door-to-door witnessing, handing out tracts, and approaching unbelievers so you could explain the gospel in its entirety.

None of it felt authentic, and consequently none if it happened very often. Not in my life, and not in the lives of the vast majority of believers I grew up with.

I remember awkward experiences of sharing the gospel as part of a community outreach program in Bible college. I remember mustering up the courage to tell a good friend about my faith in Jesus, and then promising never to bring it up again unless she wanted to hear more (as if it was offensive! L). And I remember a beautiful experience of sharing the gospel with a military man on a 9-hour flight from Europe to the United States. He was primed and ready to trust in Jesus, and did so 30,000 feet above the ocean.

But those experiences were few and far between.

Until the last year or so.

Since then, I’ve realized that planting seeds of God’s truth—even when I don’t have the opportunity to share the whole gospel—is biblical and powerful. I’ve shared nuggets of Jesus’ truth and love with over a dozen people. It’s becoming a natural way I interact with others, and I’ve shed some of my previous misconceptions.  

My Misconceptions about Sharing Jesus

  • The Whole Enchilada. If you’re going to reach out to someone spiritually, make sure you share absolutely everything they need to know to place their trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord.
  • Memorize Your Plan. Pick a way to share the gospel, and commit it to memory. That way, when you have an opportunity, you won’t freeze up – you’ll be able to recite the whole thing from start to finish.
  • It’s Never Natural. Just accept the fact that people don’t really want to hear the gospel, press through, and share it anyway.

The Truth about Sharing Jesus

  • Plant Seeds. There are limitless words, phrases, and verses you can share that are relevant to the conversations you’re having with people. It may be as simple as, “I just want you to know how much Jesus loves you.”
  • Know Key Scriptures. Be able to quote or paraphrase a handful of gospel-focused verses. That way, if the conversation progresses and the person wants to begin a relationship with Jesus, you can guide them biblically.   
  • Genuinely Love People. Wherever you are, see people with Jesus’ eyes and love them with His compassion. Initiate conversations, listen beneath the surface of their words, and listen to the Lord’s whispered words and Scriptures to share with them.

Jesus told us to make disciples. Think about it – that’s rarely done by just one individual. Paul planted seeds, Apollos watered them, and God made them grow. God uses the body of Christ to share the gospel and disciple people. As leaders, let’s lead the way in loving people and planting gospel seeds everywhere we go.

“As leaders, let’s lead the way in loving people and planting gospel seeds everywhere we go.”

- Lisa Hosler

In the Comment Section below, describe a recent “seed planting” experience you’ve had, and/or a misconception you’ve had about sharing Jesus with others.


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2024
Lisa Hosler. All rights reserved.
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