Have you ever known someone who refused to share a recipe for something delicious, keeping it a closely guarded secret? It feels a little selfish to want to be the only person able to make that recipe. I knew of someone who would begrudgingly share her recipes, but she would go so far as to write them incorrectly on purpose, so they would not turn out as well as when she herself made the dish. On the other hand, I have a friend who freely shares recipes. She gave me one of my best go-to recipes for a dish I take to every party, where I am always asked to provide the recipe myself. It does not hurt me any if someone else can make the dish, and I go the extra step to tell them the tiny modifications to the original recipe that perfected it for me. People appreciate getting the recipe, and I feel glad to have helped.
If we have anything, like a recipe, that could improve someone’s life, I think we should be willing to share it and not keep it to ourselves.
How about salvation? If we know about salvation, should we not be willing to share it?
More significant than a recipe, which provides temporary nourishment, we have something that will improve someone’s life eternally, something every person desperately needs.
This year in my Bible study, we are studying the book of John in-depth. During one of the early lectures, our teaching leader mentioned that God’s children make Him known and speak boldly for Jesus. I felt very convicted by that. Do I speak boldly for Jesus? Do I make God known? I am very comfortable speaking amongst a group of fellow believers, but how comfortable am I about making God known amongst nonbelievers? To be honest, I am often uncomfortable. But if I am uncomfortable speaking up, my discomfort is unimportant compared to someone else’s salvation.
Why do we shy away from sharing what we know about Jesus? I believe it is primarily related to fear, the enemy’s most widely employed weapon. We are fearful about how others may react or that they may receive our words unkindly or that they may break fellowship with us. That is fear of man, which is an ungodly attitude.
In 2 Timothy 1:7, we are told, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” In no way should we give way to fear or timidity regarding sharing Jesus with others. We are called to share.
In 2 Corinthians 5:20, we see, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” It is imperative that we share Jesus with others so that they may know the only Way to be reconciled to God.
Do we feel ashamed of being Christians? Is this why we hesitate to share? Christianity is widely unpopular in our current time where the label “evangelical” is tossed around like a dirty condemnation, or Christians are erroneously accused of being intolerant and hateful. However, in Luke 9:26, Jesus says, “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and the holy angels.”
We are not called to be closet Christians, ashamed to speak boldly for Christ. In Romans 1:16, Paul says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
Do you remember how you felt when you first became a Christian, that feeling of awe and joy in understanding what Jesus has done for you? Instead of feeling ashamed, remember the joy we have in Jesus and cling to that, knowing that your conversation with an unbeliever could result in them having that same joy.
Do we keep from sharing because we are afraid we will not have the right words or that we cannot convince an unbeliever or might be asked a question we cannot answer? This is why it is important to study your Bible and memorize scripture so that you can draw on it when needed. From Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
You can also pray God gives you the words when it is time to share and that He be over the conversation so you may glorify Him in your sharing. Furthermore, one of the most powerful things you can share is your own testimony; this is something you know better than anyone other than God. Our testimonies are an incredibly valuable tool for reaching others.
Lastly, it is not your responsibility to convince someone into being a believer; that is a work of the Holy Spirit. You are to share what you know sincerely and truthfully, praying for the receptiveness of the listener’s heart. If the other person asks a question you are unsure about, be honest that you do not know, but be willing to look into it further and follow up.
Secret recipes aside, I once heard it well said that if we knew the cure for cancer, we would surely share it so people would not continue to suffer and die from it. Similarly, when we know the cure for the sickness of sin and eternal death, we should also share it. It is the most loving thing we can do for someone.
I challenge you, as I challenge myself, to love others enough to speak more boldly in order to make Him known.
Curious about Jeanne-Marie's "secret" recipe? She's willing to share! Scroll down below the author bio to find the recipe download.
Do you struggle to know how to share the Gospel? Here is a beautiful and effective method for sharing the hope that is in Jesus:
Jeanne-Marie Witmer
Jeanne-Marie Witmer, Daughter of the King, is a wife and a mother to a teenage son. She wants to encourage women to have meaningful relationships by first having a meaningful relationship with Jesus. Jeanne-Marie understands the transformative work of Christ when we repent and submit to Him so that He can work in our lives. She would like to share what she's learned to help other women find hope and healing in Christ, and she prays that her written words glorify God. When not busy homeschooling, spending time with family and friends, or writing; Jeanne-Marie enjoys photography and many crafts and hobbies.
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