The Christian faith is built on a foundation of love, redemption, and hope found in the person of Jesus Christ. Central to this faith is the need for Christians to share the Good News with others. The call to evangelize is not a mere suggestion but a fundamental aspect of Christianity, rooted in the teachings of Jesus and reiterated throughout the New Testament.
In this article, we will explore the compelling reasons why Christians must actively share their faith with others.
Obedience to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)
The primary mandate for Christians to share their faith is derived from the Great Commission, as articulated by Jesus Himself. In the Gospel of Matthew (28:19-20 (NIV)), Jesus instructs His disciples, saying, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This command is not limited to a select few but extends to all who follow Christ, making it a foundational duty for every believer.
Obedience to the Great Commission is an acknowledgment of Christ’s lordship and a demonstration of trust in His wisdom. Christians share their faith as an act of allegiance to the mission Jesus entrusted to His followers, seeking to make disciples and bring people into a transformative relationship with God.
Love for Others as a Motivating Force
At the core of Christianity is the message of love. Christians believe in a God whose love is boundless, extending to all humanity. The act of sharing one’s faith is an expression of this love for others. When Christians share the Good News, they offer a lifeline of hope, inviting others to experience the same love and grace they have found in Christ.
This love-driven motivation compels Christians to reach out to others, transcending cultural, social, and geographical boundaries. It is an acknowledgment that the Gospel is a universal message meant for all people, and the responsibility to share it stems from a genuine desire to see others encounter the transformative power of God’s love.
Compassion for the Lost
Christianity teaches that humanity is spiritually lost without a relationship with God. The concept of sin separates individuals from their Creator, leading to a state of spiritual estrangement. Christians, motivated by compassion, share their faith as an earnest desire to rescue those who are spiritually lost.
This compassion extends beyond the intellectual understanding of salvation; it involves a heartfelt concern for the eternal destiny of individuals. In sharing their faith, Christians seek to bridge the gap between the lost and the redemptive love of Christ, offering a pathway to reconciliation and eternal life.
Fulfilling the Priesthood of All Believers
The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers is a central tenet in Christianity, asserting that every follower of Christ is called to serve God and minister to others. Sharing one’s faith is an integral part of fulfilling this priesthood, an active engagement in proclaiming the Gospel to the world.
This responsibility is not limited to clergy or missionaries; rather, it is a shared duty among the entire community of believers. Christians, recognizing their priestly role, embrace the call to be ambassadors of Christ, representing His love and truth in every sphere of life.
Testimony of Transformation
One of the most powerful tools in Christian evangelism is the personal testimony. When individuals share how their lives have been transformed through faith in Christ, it serves as a compelling witness to the reality and power of the Gospel. Personal testimonies resonate on a human level, breaking down barriers and creating a connection between the storyteller and the listener.
These stories of transformation are not mere anecdotes; they are living proof of the redemptive work of Christ. By sharing their testimonies, Christians provide tangible evidence of the impact of faith on a person’s life, inviting others to consider the transformative possibilities available through a relationship with Jesus.
Contributing to Positive Societal Impact
Beyond individual transformation, the Christian faith promotes values that have the potential to bring about positive societal change. Love, compassion, justice, forgiveness, and selflessness are all principles deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus. When Christians share their faith, they contribute to a broader societal impact, as individuals and communities are inspired to embrace these values.
The influence of Christianity has historically played a role in shaping societies, influencing laws, and fostering a culture of compassion and service. By actively sharing their faith, Christians participate in the ongoing work of building God’s kingdom on Earth, seeking to create a world marked by love, justice, and reconciliation.
The call for Christians to share their faith is a multifaceted imperative, rooted in obedience to the Great Commission, motivated by love, compassion for the lost, fulfillment of the priesthood of all believers, the power of personal testimony, and a commitment to positive societal impact.
This is one of the reasons why I wrote Sharing Your Faith and Testimony: Trusting God Fully and Completely. We must all do our part in sharing God’s word.
