I don’t know about you, but I’ve found that talking about Jesus with people who aren’t Christians can be a little awkward sometimes. Maybe you’ve sworn off the topic of religion at family gatherings or you avoid inviting your roommate to church because you’re afraid of how she might react. If you’ve been following Jesus for a while or if you’re a new Christian, it can feel uncomfortable trying to bring up the subject of faith with those who are not used to it or who may even oppose it.

But we are not called to be ashamed of what we believe. In Mark 16:15, Jesus says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Whether it’s a friend, family member, classmate, roommate, or co-worker, here are some ways you can share your faith with the people in your life.

Tell your story. 

While we shouldn’t shy away from talking about Scripture or what God says about a certain topic, we have to keep in mind that not everyone is immediately receptive to the Word of God. But most people love a good story. Sharing your testimony or even just what God has been doing in your life lately can be a great way to break the ice. If people sense you have an agenda, they are more likely to get defensive. But when you consistently talk about your relationship with Jesus as you would a friend, it opens the door for deeper conversations, without it feeling too pushy.

Walk the walk. 

If you say one thing but live another, people will probably wonder if what you say about your faith is genuine. Especially if they are people you see a lot. No one’s perfect, but if you are actively trying to live out your faith each day, those around you will notice. And sometimes, your actions really do speak louder than words. Because when you show the love of Jesus instead of just talking about Him, others will see that you really mean it. And when they ask why you live the way you do, you can point them to the cross.

1 Peter 3:15-16 says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

Speak from a place of love, not judgement.

No one likes to be judged or told what to do. Remember how you were before you met Christ? You have grown and are still growing. We all sin and fall short (Romans 3:23). But let the Holy Spirit do the convicting. You are not the one who saves—Jesus is. Instead, listen. Let them ask questions. Show compassion. You don’t have to compromise what you believe or water down the Gospel, but make it clear that you value people for who they are, just like Jesus did. John 13:35 says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 

Don’t expect instant results. 

While it’s totally possible that sharing your faith story with someone can instantly bring them to Christ, it may take a while for people to warm up to the idea of Jesus. Don’t expect others to get it immediately. In 1 Corinthians 3:6-8, Peter likens salvation to gardening. He says we may be the ones who plant the seed and water the soil, but God is ultimately the one who makes things grow. Be patient and understand that you might spend years not seeing eye-to-eye with a certain family member or hearing snide comments from a co-worker. Accept that you might be the only Christian in the room on some occasions. But know that every time you offer to pray for someone, every note you send with a Scripture written inside, and every kind glance is a seed that God can use later.   

Pray. 

Prayer may be the most powerful tool we have as Christians. When we don’t have the words or don’t know what to do, we pray. Pray for God to soften hearts and open minds. Pray that He makes Himself apparent to the people in your life that haven’t met Him yet. God honors those kinds of prayers. And even if you never say a word to someone, you can at least pray that they come to know the Lord.

How can you share your faith with the people in your life this week?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Abbie is a native Mississippian who now calls Nashville, TN home. She works as a writer for Ramsey Solutions and enjoys reading, traveling, laughing, and playing with her corgi, Eudora, in her spare time. You can find more of her writing at abbiewalker.com.