“Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” – Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)
If you grew up in Nigeria, you’re likely familiar with the haunting tracts featuring drawings of people suffering in what was depicted as hellfire. Perhaps you’ve even been jolted awake by the sound of a megaphone blaring with someone passionately warning that only true believers will be raptured on the Last Day.
Yes, those messages are true. The Bible does say in Matthew 13:49-50 that the wicked will be cast into a furnace of fire, and in John 3:16, that whoever believes will not perish. However, that is not the Gospel and there is a better way to share the wonderful message of salvation.
The Gospel is good news. It is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). In Luke 2:10, the angel of God called it “good tidings of great joy.” This means the Gospel should bring joy to the hearts of those who hear it! But when delivered harshly or without compassion, it can have the opposite effect.
Consider the example of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:7-29. Jesus knew her past but didn’t condemn or spend His time detailing the fate awaiting sinners like her in hell. Instead, He spoke the truth with compassion, and she received it well.
If the Gospel is truly a message about God’s love, that love must be evident in how we share it. It shouldn’t be rooted in fear, compulsion, or threats, but rather be filled with kindness and understanding. As Proverbs 15:1 (NLT) reminds us, “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”
Remember, the devil has blinded many from seeing the light (2 Corinthians 4:4), so it’s essential to pray for those you’ll encounter on your evangelism trip and in your everyday life. Pray that their eyes will be opened and that God’s Word will illuminate their hearts.
As we aim to influence the secular world, our words must communicate love and recognise that the people we’re speaking to may not share our level of spiritual insight. The world knows how to allure with words, which means we must rethink our strategy and approach to sharing the Gospel. Don’t be the reason someone rejects the message—speak with gentleness and respect, using the right words to convey the Father’s heart.
There will be those who may not want to listen, no matter how kindly you present the message. Let that rejection never be because you were ungracious or insensitive.
Today and always, let your words be filled with grace, and be prepared to defend your beliefs with deep respect and sensitivity.
Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 7-8