A Gentle Evangelist
For a number of years, I was a rather zealous evangelist. I actively shared my faith and participated in a weekly witnessing program at my church.
Sometimes I remember those days with heartfelt grief. Certainly, a lot of people prayed to accept Jesus with me, but my aggressiveness put off a number of others.
I felt so sure of my message, but I often shared without sensitivity. I grieve over the ones who didn’t understand Jesus because my bravado got in the way.
I used to talk a lot about not hiding our lights under bushels (Matt. 5:15), but I was guilty of presenting the loving light of Jesus in a way more akin to blazing neon.
Many Christians are in the spotlight today expressing their opinions on a wide range of issues: abortion, homosexuality, family values, and politics. Is the light that others see focused on Jesus and his gift of salvation or on other issues?
I remember being at a political meeting several years ago where non-Christians expressed great concern about the views of Christians.
It made me sad that no one mentioned the God we serve or his Son. They understood little about the Jesus we follow.
This verse from 1 Peter contains three primary points: set apart Christ as Lord; always be prepared to give an answer; and do this with gentleness and respect.
In the past, I focused on the second point.
But oh, the power of a word spoken with the sensitivity of the Savior. Jesus was no weakling who wimped out if someone opposed him or argued with him.
But he was gentle (Matt. 21:5), even when tried and wrongly convicted.
I think the ability to be gentle and respectful to people who do not yet know Jesus comes from the command at the beginning of this verse: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.”
With Christ as Lord of our hearts, we comprehend our own fallenness and the graciousness of Jesus to have died for us.
We are able to look at others with compassion instead of condemnation, because we know that we are just as they are: guilty but forgiven.
Jesus gives us the power to speak in ways that convey his love and woo doubters to him. It is only after people feel loved that they are able to hear words of conviction that lead to change.
And the power of words spoken with tenderness and respect helps to usher listeners into the forgiving presence of the Savior.
Father, thank you for calling us to you with the gentleness of Jesus.