A talking witness

It doesn't matter how good you are at being a witness to your friends in your attitude and your actions, there comes a time when you must verbalize the good news.

Paul says in Romans 10:14 "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?"

People can be attracted, or even impressed, by your kindness but they need to clearly understand the gospel. As it says, "how will they understand unless someone preaches to them." This is not getting up on a soapbox type of preaching but in genuine interactive conversation, explaining about Jesus.

Secondly, it must be verbalized because Peter says in 1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, "

The three elements of this verse we need to understand are:

• Always be prepared: Do you know your testimony and do you know how to share the simple steps of the gospel?
• To those who ask you: We are not to bible bash people who are not interested, but rather let them make the first approach.
• Do this with gentleness and respect: Our approach in sharing our faith should always be wrapped with a gentle spirit and a respect for the other person.

Are you prepared and do you have the right attitude towards those you are reaching out to?