Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. -1 Chronicles 16:24 (NLT)
When I was in high school, I had a friend named Grant, who wasn't a Christian. Back then, I was so focused on having all the “right answers” to his questions about faith that our conversations often fell flat.
A few years later, I bumped into Grant at a local pizza joint my friends and I went to every Sunday night. When we chose that eating spot, I had no idea my old high school buddy worked there. Grant and I picked up right where we left off.
One night Grant asked how my friends and I knew each other. I told him we all went to the same church. This began several long and meaningful conversations with Grant about why I went to church and the difference Jesus had made in my life. Grant didn't agree with everything I had to say at first, but the more I opened up to him about what God was doing in my life, the more his interest grew.
Looking back on those conversations, I realized people don't like to be talked into something. Most people can smell the stench of manipulation a mile away; but when we hear about how someone or something has changed the life of a person we care about, we're intrigued.
In today's verse, the author of 1 Chronicles encourages his readers to tell others about the amazing things God has done for them. I think that's one of the best ways we can talk to others about Jesus. You don't have to have all the answers; you just have to be intentional about sharing how God has made a difference in your life.
1 Peter 3:15-16 says, “…If someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way…”
Talking with others about THEIR relationship with Jesus starts by talking with them about YOUR relationship with Jesus.
Eventually, Grant gave his life to Christ. He realized Jesus had a better story for him because my friends and I shared our stories with him.
People value transparency. We're naturally drawn toward healthy individuals who are authentic and comfortable in their own skin. Let God change the people in your world by sharing how He has changed your world. It's simpler than you might think.
Digging Deeper:
- When was the last time you talked to someone about Jesus
- How can sharing the difference Jesus has made in your life make a difference in someone else's life?
