“Sharing the Gospel Is Not My Gift”

Have you ever thought that you were not gifted to share the gospel? In this S.O.A.P. post today, I want to encourage you. And I say this from the vantage point of someone who is an introvert, who feels uncomfortable in many social situations, who is not a gifted speaker, nor even a clever debater who can think quickly on their feet. I’m not well-known, I have no privileged social status, and I’m not highly educated. Matter of fact, I am so ordinary and unimpressive that I find laughing at myself quality entertainment!

But my deficiencies and my lack are not important when it comes to sharing the gospel. In God’s scheme of things, it is actually better, for “when I am weak, then I am strong,” and I can’t take credit for any accomplishment but must give all the glory to Him. For He uses the poor, the weak-willed, the uneducated, the socially awkward, and the powerless to shame the rich, the self-confident, the highly educated, the gifted motivators, and the powerful rulers of this world. And it pleases Him to do so!

Did you know that Charles Spurgeon was not college educated, nor officially trained in theology? Yes, what is impossible with man is always possible with God. We need to take our eyes off our lack and look to our all-sufficient, omnipotent Lord. The One who chose the uneducated, working class, sometimes brash, sometimes fearful, at all times fallible Peter to lead His church. And He chooses you and me as well.

Scripture: “So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’”

Observation: All of us who have received the gospel are of necessity sent to share that good news with anyone and everyone we meet. And that which has been committed to us, the message that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that there is no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved, is headline news to a world rife with spiritual fake news. We are like printing plates, master templates, capable of replicating anew the story of salvation with precision and consistency to each soul in our “readership.”

I say we are of necessity sent, for we carry a message that is life-saving and able to change a soul’s course of history both now and eternally. To keep such news to ourselves would be unheard of, just like a newspaper failing to print a major world news headline. A newspaper exists to share noteworthy news, just as we exist to share the most noteworthy news the world has ever known–that God not only exists, but also and moreover loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die for us so that we can know God, not just know about Him, and that our dignity and role as God’s image-bearers can be made whole.

And we are not only of necessity sent, but also for honor sent. Paul says God has, “committed to us the word of reconciliation. 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.” [2 Corinthians 5:19-20] An ambassador represents the sending government in a foreign land, and we represent God’s Kingdom in a foreign world. Just as the world’s ambassadors are honored to represent their home country and advocate for its interests, so too we are honored to represent our King Jesus and to be His advocates for mercy. Will your King find you faithful?

Application: I have heard people say, “Sharing the gospel is not my gift.” Well, that is true. It is our duty! But it is a duty borne in honor, much like a soldier serving his or her country. Many people reason that since they are shy or feel their lack of expertise, that this excuses them from their post. But it doesn’t for the same reason a soldier is not excused from his post because he is an introvert or lacks skill. The camaraderie and sense of duty to their commander and unit will override their insecurity, and passing basic training ensures their fitness for duty.

Beloved, please don’t fall for the excuses our flesh invents or the enemy suggests. We are fully provisioned at the moment we receive Christ as our Savior with His love, which the Holy Spirit has poured out in our hearts. And that love moves us to share our joy in salvation with others. It is not a matter of personality, style, or skill that enables us to be good at sharing the gospel. It is a matter of compassion and love. The first focuses on our own merits, the latter on God’s merits, and with God, all things are possible.

If you truly want to begin to share your faith with others, pray that the Lord, our Creator and Redeemer, will provide the courage, the means, and the heart to do so. For Jeremiah said, “Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, Because I am a youth.” But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak. “Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.”

There are so many ways to share the gospel–tracts, online forums, friendships, joining community groups, etc. You don’t have to be a street preacher to preach the gospel! I think the enemy can get us thinking if we aren’t gifted with evangelism then we have no part in the Lord’s army. But not so! Even the simplest things can turn into avenues to share our faith. Just inviting people to church where they can hear the full gospel presented is a loving thing to do.

If you don’t feel like a gifted speaker, write. Christmas cards with a scriptural gospel message are appropriate this time of year. I know some people who include their testimony in Christmas greetings. I know some people who work or volunteer in nursing homes and are able to build relationships with the residents and then share the gospel that way. I know some who volunteer to bake Christmas cookies and include a gospel tract in the box. Greeting cards for co-workers around the holidays are wonderful opportunities to share our faith. There are so many possibilities…pray for the Lord to open your heart to them. It is the Lord Jesus, the Precious One whose blood cleansed us from all sin, whom we represent.

Prayer: Abba, you have given us a ministry of reconciliation for which we are grateful and in which we rejoice over the joy and beauty of seeing salvation come to another soul. Help us not to fear man or our own failure, but keep our eyes on You, the Author and Perfecter of faith, with whom nothing is impossible. If God is for us, who can be against us? Since You are sovereign over all, since there is no greater power, with which You created the heavens and earth and all creation which constantly declare Your praise, let us not look at our subjective feelings of inadequacy, but rather to Your objective and immeasurable ability to do all things. May our pride in our conquering King and our love for our compassionate Savior move us to faith in all You provide, equipped for every good work. Knowing Your love for the lost, let our hearts beat as one. May the name of Jesus be glorified this day, Amen.