I think we all fear judgement, and this especially seems to be the case when it comes to sharing our faith  We fear backlash we might receive, questions we won’t find the words to answer, friendships we might lose. So how do we conquer that fear and share the Word?  How do we go about bringing others to Christ?

I want to share my answer to this by looking at my own faith journey.  In my last blog, I wrote about the power of an invitation. It brought me to Willowdale.  Another invitation brought me to Bible study. Those invitations got me to church, but that’s not what kept me here.

When I entered church alone and scared, I was welcomed. When I entered my first Bible study group, I was embraced with open arms, loved, and cared for. I saw joy. I saw love. I saw hope. And what I needed at that dark time in my life was to feel more of that.  That’s why I kept going.  I read the passages and answered the questions and participated in the group each week because a group of women showered me with love and acceptance.  What made these women approachable and so friendly? What made them shine?

God.  Faith.  His outstanding love.

One of the most surprising things about being part of that group was that these women were questioning how to help others find faith. I smiled at their inquiries and worries. I wanted one of those tacky, big, colorful arrows with bright light bulbs outlining it pointed directly at me, because the reason I was able to open my arms to Jesus was because they opened their arms to me. It was THIS community. They were answering their own question of how to help others find faith.

Romans 13:8 reminds us that this is how we should strive to be: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”  When you open your heart to God, it shows. The love He embraces us with shines through to others.

So how do you help share God’s Word and bring others to Him?  Just. Be. You! Your love, joy, and hope are a powerful message that can open up minds.

Luke 11:33 says, “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.” 

Let’s shine!