Sharing Our Faith

For whatever reason, sharing our faith seems to invoke within us a nervous feeling, the kind of feeling we often have on our way into the doctor’s office not sure exactly what ailment is plaguing us. The uncertainty, the discomfort, the reality that this issue we are facing may very well end up with our receiving a...shot. Yes...I said it...the “s” word. So much anxiety, so much stress, so much turmoil and worry. How can we possibly handle the weight of the pressure we feel internally when we know that this is the “right” course of action?

Like so many others, we too face that uncomfortable feeling of entering into a spiritual conversation with someone who is not of like precious faith. We find ourselves scrambling for clarity with regard to any possible excuse that will justify our not speaking what we have come to believe and hold dear. But the truth is we cannot escape the calling of God and Christ. We are all called to share our faith.

Jesus said that his mission was to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). If we claim to be disciples of Christ, that very claim implies that we seek to follow his example, walking in his steps. So should our mission be any different? As if that were not enough, Jesus gives us our mission plainly, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” (Matthew 28:19). There should be no misunderstanding concerning what Jesus desires his followers to do. Go and make disciples.

Add to this thought the fact that Peter exhorts his readers to personalize this mission. “...always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…” (1 Peter 3:15). The call is clear. No Christian is exempt from being involved in the spreading of the Good News. And even though we often feel nervous and uncomfortable, we have this assurance from Christ, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). May we allow God to use us as his instruments of peace and reconciliation as we share our faith.