How can I evangelize my friends and family without pushing them away?

Answer

At some point, every Christian has encountered a family member, friend, co-worker, or acquaintance who is not a Christian. Sharing the gospel with others can be challenging, especially when it involves someone with whom we share close emotional bonds. The Bible warns us that some individuals may take offense at the gospel (Luke 12:51-53). Nevertheless, we are instructed to spread the gospel, and there are no valid excuses for failing to do so (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15).

So, how can we evangelize our family members, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances effectively? The most crucial step is to pray for them. Pray that God will transform their hearts and reveal the truth of the gospel to them “in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”, (2 Corinthians 4:4). Pray that God will persuade them of His love for them and their need for salvation through Jesus Christ “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”, (John 3:16). Seek wisdom on how to minister to them effectively “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”, (James 1:5).

(James 1:5).

We should be willing and courageous in our actual sharing of the gospel. Proclaim the message of salvation through Jesus Christ to your friends and family (Romans 10:9-10). Always be prepared to speak of your faith «but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: », (1 Peter 3:15), doing so with gentleness and respect. There is no substitute for personally sharing the gospel: “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” «So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. », (Romans 10:17).

In addition to praying and sharing our faith, we must also live godly Christian lives in front of our friends and family members so they can see the change God has made in us (1 Peter 3:1-2). Ultimately, we must leave the salvation of our loved ones up to God. It is God’s power and grace that saves people, not our efforts. The best we can do is pray for them, witness to them, and live the Christian life in front of them. It is God who gives the increase «I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. », (1 Corinthians 3:6).