Thanksgiving is family time—and just maybe a time to share
our faith. However, the thought of witnessing for Jesus, especially to family
and friends, can be very daunting. Perhaps that is because we are short-sighted
about what witnessing really is.
Maybe we envision waving a floppy Bible in their face and accosting them with, “Are you born again?” Or maybe we think witnessing is cornering a loved one resistant to faith in Jesus and sharing with them the steps of salvation—whether they are ready to listen or not.
While those approaches may be what is needed in some situations, I think Jesus gave us an alternative method in the story of the man delivered from evil spirits.
A man was possessed by demons that made him insanely wild and dangerously unapproachable. After Jesus cast out the demons, and the man was clothed and in his right mind, Jesus told him, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how kind he has been to you.” (Mark 6:19)
Easy to do? No! After all, they know us—both the good and the bad. However, we also know them; we already have a relationship with the person. We love and care about them deeply. So, how do we go about sharing faith in Jesus with them?
Andrew Swafford, associate professor of theology at Benedictine College, offers “Seven Tips for Evangelizing Family and Friends”. I urge you to read his entire article at Ascension Press, but to summarize it:
Tip 1: Be yourself. ...
Tip 2: Be brief. ...
Tip 3: Assume you'll get another chance. ...
Tip 4: Make your goal just one step at a time. ...
Tip 5: Bring God into the conversation. ...
Tip 6: Don't be defensive. ...
Tip 7: Pray.
That’s doable! This Thanksgiving (or anytime) let’s do what Jesus said and tell our loved ones how much the Lord has done for us and how kind He has been to us.
Be encouraged!
