Description

People who are seeking Jesus take note of how Christians act in public and in private. When you model godly behavior like love, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness, you show people what Jesus is like. When you help those in need, invite people into your home and your life, and share what you have to help others, you are modeling the life of Jesus. When your life models Jesus’ life, and your actions show the love of Jesus, you open the door to conversations with people about how Jesus changes things. This is a great place to start with evangelism, and this post explains why.

"Attractive Evangelism" by Boyd Bailey             

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34–35).

Love is irresistible for those in search of a Savior. Everyone whose heart aches for authentic relationship will take notice when seeing Christians love one another. Parents who encourage and build up their sons and daughters are a magnet to their children’s friends who live lonely lives in discouraging and disruptive home environments.

Have you thought of your home as a sanctuary for seeking souls? Every time a neighbor drops by, a friend stays overnight, or you host a party for your child’s team, you have an opportunity to model the love of Jesus toward those you know and to those whom you meet for the first time. Leverage love for the Lord, and He will draw people to Himself.

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13).

Becoming a disciple of Jesus means being loved. When you placed your faith in Christ, you became a giver and receiver of Christian love. So, do not resist the righteous care that Christ followers extend on your behalf. Be glad you model the love of God’s children that can melt the hearts of outside observers. “Why,” they ask, “do people give so much, expecting nothing in return?”

How do you intentionally love your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you share relationships, money, your vacation home, your primary residence, or your car? It may be showing up during a health issue, praying for a job interview, babysitting their little one, or mowing their grass. Unbelievers take notice when believers lavishly love each other.

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But, do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13).

Read
John 13:34-35

Pray
Jesus, quicken my heart when I am not modeling godly behavior, and help me start sharing Your love with others by making sure my actions align with the way You want me to behave.

Reflect
Am I acting like Jesus would want me to act when I am around other people?

Respond
Find a way to be helpful, friendly, or hospitable to someone new whom God has put in your path.

Actions are a good place to start when you are new to sharing your faith. Since people learn to trust others by behavior first, it makes sense to start there. But actions alone—without the words about Jesus—can mislead people into thinking that good behavior itself is the key to salvation. This is why you need to have conversations with people about Jesus. It’s also why you should always be prepared to give an answer for why you believe what you do, as the next post explains.