“Evangelism Can Be...”

Jeff was going through a difficult time in his life. He had been laid off from work just before his wife was diagnosed with cancer. The financial, emotional, and spiritual struggles were nearly debilitating. Fortunately, Jeff and his wife had some dear friends. Two couples that they had known for some time stuck by them. They stopped by to see them regularly and occasionally delivered meals. When Jeff's wife died, they were there to comfort him. These were good friends. After some time had passed, Jeff began to consider returning to church. He hadn't gone to church anywhere since he was a teenager, but there was something tugging at him. He decided to try the church in his neighborhood. When he walked into the sanctuary, there were his friends! Both couples had been members of that church for years. They had also been friends with Jeff for years. Yet they had never talked about their faith, even through his ordeals. It just hadn't come up. They were stunned, yet very glad, to see each other there.

One woman interviewed during the research behind 'Unbinding Your Heart' said that a new definition of evangelism had helped her. She has decided that evangelism is sharing something you enjoy with someone you like. This takes away her fear of being overbearing. Sharing something you enjoy with someone you like. That can be evangelism. Evangelism can be...

Sharing something you desire with someone else who needs it.
Sharing something that makes you smile with someone who could use a smile.
Sharing something that gives you peace with someone in chaos.
Sharing something that gives you hope with someone in despair.
Sharing something you enjoy with someone you like.

Evangelism Tip for Today: Encourage someone today with how God has brought you through a difficult time.

Prayer:  God of many names, we recognize that there are many ways of understanding this thing called evangelism.  In the midst of the diversity of opinions, help us to keep our eyes focused on You and open to the guidance of your Holy Spirit today. -Amen