Tell Me More: On Sharing Your Faith

Italy’s public health system is a big blessing for us! Without it we would have at times had to go without medical care. We appreciate having high-quality care and treatment at no or low out-of-pocket costs. But it’s always been our family dottori (doctors) that we most value. 

Even though we often seem to amuse them with our foreign ways and ideas! But that’s not a bad thing. Because it usually causes curiosity about why we’re living here. And once we’ve shared, they often say, “Tell me more!”

Tell me More

Our last physician was particularly curious. She often asked about our faith and even asked us for advice. “Your relationship is still so wonderful after all these years,” she said. “And since I’m not married, I need advice for a married couple with serious problems.”

Not that we’re the most ideal couple – far from it. We do not have all the secrets to a perfect marriage. Even after 46 years, we’re still learning!

I share this as encouragement. Because most of us wonder at times how to share our faith. What and how much should we say? When and how?

We never shared a lot with that doctor, as her waiting room was usually filled. It’s not that we don’t speak of our faith, for we do. But it usually start by letting our light shine.

We live in a hurting world, hungry for peace and joy. And when others see these things in us, they will often seek us out, saying, “Tell me more!” Sometimes it involves a brief testimony, others it reaches deeper. But either way, we plant seeds of the Gospel. And people continue to observe our faith. The rest is up to the Holy Spirit.

7 practical tips for sharing your faith naturally

1. 🧍 Be yourself

Don’t try to be something you’re not. Otherwise your witness might at best seem stilted and unnatural. At worst phony or even hypocritical.

2. 😊 Start by making friends

So many people are starving for friendship and real relationships. They need to know they can trust you. Bring them into your life, family, and circle. Doing this gives you the opportunity to share Christ in a natural way. And make them feel included, loved, and important.

3. ❓ Don’t try to have all the answers

Especially to questions that they aren’t even thinking about asking yet. Remember that unasked advice is like a hole in the head. And who needs that?

4. 🕊️ Share what you know and have experienced

Don’t try to provide answers to deep issues that are beyond you. There’s nothing wrong with saying, “I don’t know.” Testify to what you do know, starting with how Christ changed your life. How he helps you in your family, your marriage, and other relationships. Share the peace and joy you find in him.

5. 🌍 Seek to understand your cultural context

In many places people don’t know who Christ is, believe in sin, or feel that they need salvation. Even in western nations which are now, for the most part, post-Christian. We often need to first explain who God and Jesus are, and why every person needs salvation.

6. 🚶 Live out your message

Even when you think no one is looking. Honesty and integrity speak loud and clear. It draws people, whereas phoniness will only turn them away.

7. ❤️ Show real love

Reach out to others because you care about them and want what’s best for them. Don’t treat them like an evangelism project or an item on your to-do list. Be their friend, listen to their concerns. Be there for them and give a helping hand when you can. Our actions often speak louder than words. And are often the key that unlocks even the hardest heart!

Do you try to witness for Christ wherever you go – and sometimes even use words?

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:16 ESV

Images: Women talking by ics silviu.| Men talking by LinkedIn Sales Navigator | Emojis from Emojipedia.