If you’re talking to someone you don’t know well, make normal small talk about subjects like their family, hobbies, or career. If you’re spending time with someone you’re already close to, try asking them about things that you know have been going on in their life, or touch base on something you talked about the last time you saw them. Some conversations might never go farther than this, and that’s fine. However, continue to pray that God will help you look for signs that a person would be open to a spiritual conversation, and that He’ll give you the courage to be a witness for Him.
For instance, you might hear a friend say something like, “I just don’t know what I’m going to do with my life. My career didn’t work out like I thought it would, and my relationships have all been disasters. ” The message that God has a plan for their life might give them hope. You might also hear someone say, “I feel worried all the time and I don’t know why. ” In that case, the person might be open to God’s message of hope and peace. Other conversations that might lead to a discussion of God could include comments about what happens after people die, feeling a lack of connection to the world around them, or even who created nature or mankind.
If a friend or loved one is severely depressed and you’re concerned they might hurt themselves, call for emergency help. Once they’re out of danger, you may be able to share your faith as a way to help them heal their inner pain, but it’s important to have professionals help someone who’s in crisis. If you live in the US, call 911 or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 (you can also text this number). You can also see a list of international hotlines by visiting https://ibpf. org/resource/list-of-international-suicide-hotlines/.
In the case of the friend who’s concerned about their career and failed dating attempts, you might say something like, “I really believe that God has a plan for your life. It might not seem like it now, but He can do great things in your life if you trust Him. ” If you’re talking to your friend who’s always worried, you might say, “My relationship with God has really helped me handle all the stress in my life. I still get overwhelmed sometimes, but praying gives me a lot of peace. Is it okay if I share my story with you?”
Leave it up to God to show the person which of their specific behaviors are sinful. Avoid judging the person or criticizing the way that they live, although you can point out that they—like everyone else—have likely committed a sin or two throughout their lives.
You’re more likely to leave the person with a good impression by handling the situation with grace and kindness, rather than by trying to force them to listen to what you have to say. If the person seems receptive to your message, or if they have a neutral response, you can move forward with sharing your witness.
You might say something like, “I believe that God sent His son Jesus to earth, and Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins. I get a lot of peace from my relationship with God, and I’d love to share that with you. ” Then, tell them more about Jesus’ life and death, based on your studying of the Scripture. It can often be very effective to share your own story of how you were saved, rather than just explaining the message in an abstract way. Avoid using in-depth theological terms the person might be unfamiliar with. Instead, stick to simple, everyday language. Try to approach every opportunity to witness with humility, patience, and kindness.
If they do want to pray, ask them to say something like, “Dear Lord, I know I am not perfect. I want to turn my life over to Jesus and have a personal relationship with God. Thank you for loving me, and please forgive me for my sins. Amen. ” After the person prays, encourage them to get baptized and start attending a church where they feel comfortable.
Avoid sinful behavior like lying, cheating, or jealousy. That way, when you do get a chance to witness to someone else, your behavior won’t contradict your message. However, some of the most obvious qualities of a relationship with God show from deep within, not just in your actions. [7] X Research source In Galatians 5:22-23, the Bible says: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. ” By embodying these qualities, you’ll be a living witness of your relationship with God and the power He has to influence your life. Forgiveness is another trait that Christ taught, so do your best to forgive those who have wronged you.
In addition to helping you feel close to God, reading and memorizing the Bible can help you have more confidence when you’re witnessing to others because you’ll be able to answer their questions from a Biblical perspective. 1 Peter 3:15 says: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. "
The Bible says that a relationship with Jesus is the only way to have life in heaven. In John 14:6, Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. " Jesus also commanded his followers to tell others about him. According to the Bible, the last words Jesus said before he ascended were: “You shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. " (Acts 1:8) In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus also said: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. "
