Who's Your One For March?
But What If…?
We’re two months into our 2022 evangelism campaign. We discussed failure last month. This month, let’s talk about fear.
While some people may enjoy charging headfirst into difficult or awkward conversations, most of us aren’t built for that. The idea of having a hard conversation makes our palms sweat.
What if I can’t answer their questions?
What if they’re offended by something I say?
What if they think I’m stupid or presumptuous?
What if I do more harm than good?
These kinds of questions can get us stuck with regard to evangelism. But God is fully prepared to get us unstuck. Remember these inspired words from the pen of the Apostle Peter:
“…in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…”
1 Peter 3:15 ESV
Peter treats fear with fear: “honor Christ the Lord as holy.” In other words, don’t worry about how your words will be received, instead, focus on Who your words will honor.
One author helpfully observed, “I’m always trying to discern which words will be most warmly received by my conversation partner. Peter tells me to focus my discernment elsewhere. I’m not to choose my words according to how they’re received (no one can control how their words are received). My discernment should center on the origin of the words more than the destination.”
Gentleness and respect should characterize our evangelism. But delight in the gospel and love for the lost is the motivation of our evangelism. We need to turn there when fear trips us up.
What’s your biggest fear related to evangelism? Is it a lack of knowledge or eloquence? How about rejection or the loss of a relationship? Before you apply the remedy, you need a proper diagnosis. Identify your evangelism fears. Ask God to help you with them. Seek help from your brothers and sisters. Then go and share the good news.
Next Steps
Decide who your “one” is for March and prepare to share them with your small group. If you didn’t share the gospel with your “one” from last month, pick them and try again this month!
Identify your evangelism fears. Prepare to share them with your small group and ask for their prayers and counsel.
Review the “Who’s Your One?” webpage and make use of the recommended resources at the bottom.
May God bring hope to the hopeless through our evangelism efforts this month.