So you want to share your faith with your pals, but not sure how to get started? Here are a few tips to steer you in the right direction.
Prayer is the E in electricity – and the P in power! Pray first, share second. When the moment of opportunity comes, ask some conversation-openers like:
- Do you go to church with your family anywhere?
- Do you have any special beliefs about God or Jesus?
- Do you think there’s a heaven or hell?
- When you die, where do you think you’ll go?
- If what you believe now isn’t true, would you like to know about it?
Thumbs down! If they don’t seem interested, don’t push, and don’t take it personally – it’s God’s job to change hearts. Keep praying.
Thumbs Up! If they act interested, move forward with one of these great options:
- Tell them about Jesus dying on the cross and how He wants to have a personal relationship with them. Explain your story – how you came to believe in Jesus and how He’s changed your life and wants to change their life too, OR:
- Beforehand, mark or write down a few Bible versus you can read and discuss with them. Some great verses you can choose from are Romans 6:23, John 14:6, Romans 10:9-10, I John 5:11-13, John 5:24, Revelation 3:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, OR:
- Tell them there’s a great teacher at your church (youth group or Sunday school), friend or parent who’d be happy to chat more about this and then follow through.
Emphasize that being a Christian is lifetime relationship with Jesus - like a BFF - not just a casual momentary event. Before moving on, ask some questions to find out it they’re ready for the next step:
- Do you want forgiveness of your sins, friendship with the One True amazing God, and the opportunity to live forever on a brand new earth with Him?
- Do you believe that Jesus died on a cross and rose to life for you?
- Are you willing to make Jesus the boss of your life?
- Are you ready to invite Jesus into your life now?
If you start into any these option and get stumped by their questions, tell them they can talk to someone you know for more help (at home or church), then invite them to visit that person with you as soon as possible. And of course, don’t forget to invite them to church!
Written by: Julie Ferweda, Between Us Girls
B&H Publishing Group grants permission to use this excerpt as originally published in Between Us Girls, c. 2008.
Comments (4)
wow this truly helps me because i am dieing to spread God's Word i will take your advice and talk to my friends on the matter thank you for all the help
Posted by lizzie | July 1, 2008 6:06 PM
great conformation 'cause i had a discussion like this the other day with my mom.
Posted by beth | July 27, 2008 5:18 PM
Well I have questions, what if that friend all ready knows about God because they were brought up in the church and they strayed away not really wanting anything to do with God? (mainly because of what they seen in the church). Also what if you are kind if emmbarrassed to talk to them about God because they seen your old life style? Or you are just uncomfortable to talk to them about it because you think they been through so much and too much to even care about God? Like what if there is nothing you can say to them to penetrate their heart?
Posted by Chanty | July 31, 2008 11:43 AM
Dear Chanty,
Maybe I can help you with your questions. I have a friend that strayed away from God for awhile and practically ignored me and everyone else in her life. It was just a hard time for her. But I just kept myself ready to talk to her and always made sure she knew I was there for her. And when she was ready, she came back and we are closer than ever and she is such an awesome Christian friend and I'm glad to have her. Just live your life in a way that shows Christ to this person that has strayed away. When everyone else in their life seems to have left them, they will come to you and you can point them to Jesus. =)
Don't be embarassed about being a Christian because of your old lifestyle and choices. Use those experiences to help teach others and remind yourself that you don't want to be there again. Never be embarassed about your faith. If people see that you are embarassed and try to hide your faith, they most likely will not want something like that. God takes anyone...No matter where they have been. No matter what you have done. He loves you. =)
Now, about you being worried that their heart is hardened and that they will not care about Jesus...I can see your concern. You don't want them to be pushed away even more than they already are. The best advice I can give you, Chanty, is to live your life for Christ and they will see that. Maybe ask you questions where the opportunity will pop up. Pray for the chances and that you will clearly see them and say the right words. And after that, it is between them and God. You planted a seed. If they let, God will make it grow. =)
I will pray for the situation you are having and everyone else's. =) God bless!
*Just a Ballerina*
Posted by BallerinaGirl | August 22, 2008 10:56 PM