​23. A Steady Stream of Relief

Evangelism. You’re doing it wrong.

Probably.

The point of bringing the Gospel to people is that it’s birthed out of a deep sense of love. It’s not a quota to be met. It’s not a pin to put into your lapel. It’s not a pat on your own back for forcing a Bible on a slightly befuddled stranger you just met on the street.

It’s a strong desire to not wish anyone to suffer for the sins kept deep inside their hearts.

It’s a real sense of sacrifice to be a believer. Putting yourself on the line to talk about Jesus to a culture that hates Jesus is less than appetizing. As Jesus Himself said: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19)

But when you know the truth, the cure to a death that is impending for everybody, you swallow your fear. You stand strong and you witness with a heart full of love.

This is a journey for me. In the beginning, I was one big ball of panic. It was up to me to save my family and friends and to make sure they knew the real Biblical truth of Scripture.

But I can’t save anyone. Only Jesus can. And that fact is more than a steady stream of relief.

What can I do? Pray for those I know and the people God puts in my path that they will be open to the Gospel. Get to know people on a real authentic level, willingly loving them even if they spit in my face. Like Christ indicated to His disciples, if someone doesn’t heed what you’re saying, just dust yourself off and move on to the next person. Their ultimate salvation isn’t your responsibility but making sure they hear the truth is.

And maybe most importantly? Live the example and gently remind fellow believers that the point of the Gospel is to offer the opportunity for everlasting life with Jesus.

We all can get off task and try to make our purpose about us. But it’s not.

It’s about the redeeming love of Christ.

Period.