"Real Evangelism"

Before doing this study, please read the 1-minute introduction: Those Who Incorrectly Define Evangelism.

"Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."  ~ 1 Corinthians 3:7 

Sometimes God may ask us to share Christ in ways "outside our comfort zone," but usually he uses our skills, gifts, and personalities in ways that seem more natural. So don't let anyone scare you by claiming you have to evangelize a particular way. And don't excuse yourself from developing and using your own gifts to share Christ.

Let's look at some aspects of evangelism that are often overlooked.

1. Being a loving example.

John 13:34-35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 

How we treat both Christians and non-Christians is a witness to non-believers. If unsaved people know that we aren't treating our friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers with grace, forgiveness, and consideration, why should they want to know our Lord?

2. Using our gifts.

Acts 9: 36-42: In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” 39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. 40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.

See Don't Be Jealous of Other People's Gifts.

3. Speaking truth graciously.

Colossians 4:5-6: Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Do you understand this combination of salt and grace? To learn more, read the 1-minute devotion: Salt & Grace

copyright, 2015, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, updated and edited in 2022