If you’re a follower of Jesus, I know for a fact that you wish all your family and friends could know Jesus the way you do. The problem is the world we live in is filled with distractions that hide the truth from many of our family and friends. Sharing the good news is pointless when it’s already been heard a hundred times and dismissed as nothing more than a fairytale. The enemy has so distorted the truth in this world that it often seems impossible to penetrate the barriers some people have built around their heart. So what are we to do? How are we supposed to break through? I think you probably already know the answer. The life you live, filled with the joy that your relationship with Jesus provides, is the best evidence of the gospel truth. A life filled with the fruits of the Spirit is a shining example of what salvation through Jesus Christ is all about.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
I don’t want to imply that this is easy, because it’s not. Followers of Jesus can be victims of the enemy’s distractions also. This world can push the most devoted Christians off in the wrong direction. Sometimes it’s hard to respond with love. Sometimes our joyful spirit is damaged by the struggle of life. Sometimes finding peace takes a little more effort than it should. That’s okay. As long as we stay pointed in the right direction, we will eventually arrive at the proper destination. Our patience and self-control will see us through. And when we find our way back to love, joy, and peace, those around us will realize it was the power of our Christian faith that carried us over a difficult road. That is our testimony. That is how we can share the good news. When we let others see Jesus working in our life, they will want to know him also.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8
With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can live a godly life filled with the love, joy, and peace others will want to experience. Possibly the best way to share our faith is to simply make every effort to respond in all situations with love. Love is the light that exposes darkness and opens hearts to the truth.
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
We can’t let this world push us around. We have to stand strong in our faith. When we find ourselves left empty by this world, rather than filled with love, we need to take a step back and reconnect with Jesus – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control – that’s the path Jesus wants us to follow. The closer we get to that prescription, the more those around us will see Jesus and want to know him in the same way we know him. Let your light shine.
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