Attitude when sharing faith
How do we relate to those who do not share our faith? How do we communicate faith? How do we testify to what God has done? How can we live in a way that lifts up Jesus? How do we live in a way that brings glory to God?
What does the Bible say about our attitude when telling others about Jesus? -
- Living in humility - Matthew 5v13-16
- Live as God’s Children - Philippians 2v14-16
- Prayerful expectancy - Colossians 4v2-6
- Christ is Lord - 1Peter 3v15-16
- Wisdom from God - Colossians 1v27-29
Living in humility
Matthew 5v13-16
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What impact does Jesus want to have on those around him?
- What do salt and light contribute?
- What does it mean for believers to be both salt and light?
Thoughts to consider
Salt brings wholeness to food in taste and preservation. Light truth into the open. The Lord changes us to become the kind of people who will have this impact on others.
Live as God’s Children
Philippians 2:14-16
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What are the characteristics of the life proposed here?
- What is the effect of living such a life?
Thoughts to consider
This kind of humility where life is lived without grumbling will stand out from the crowd. It is not the kind of life that forces itself on people, but does have a deep impact.
Prayerful expectancy
Colossians 4v2-6
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What attitude towards life and other people is being proposed here?
- What kind of attitude and speech should we have towards those without faith in Jesus?
Thoughts to consider
Paul advises is a sense of waiting for God to act and praying into situations so that when God creates opportunities to show love and to speak truth. He will then make it effective.
Christ is Lord
1 Peter 3:15-16
You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- How are we to prepare in order to respond appropriately to the opportunities that arise?
- What attitude are we to have toward God and our questioners?
Thoughts to consider
Christ is Lord is the core of this passage. We are ready to speak because Christ is Lord. We have prepared something that will lift up Christ as our Lord. Our way of relating will demonstrate that we believe Christ is Lord.
Wisdom from God
Colossians 1:27-29
For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.
So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What motivation is given for speaking here?
- What kind of message needs to be given for this to be the outcome?
Thoughts to consider
Life is precious and God cherishes us. All that we say and do should help people come to a good place with God. We show his love, we live out the faith he has given us and we pray for God to work so that many would cling to Jesus and live.
Overview questions for reflection or discussion
- What did you observe about lifestyle, attitude, and words in these texts?
Thoughts to consider
We live in a generation that wants to get its message across. Most of the new testament teaching is more about how we behave than what we say, though being ready to speak is a part of this behaviour.
