Sharing the Heart of Christ With the World
While evangelism means sharing information about Jesus, evangelism is more than that – it is showing the heart of Christ by the way you live, by your love and service. Outreach is a demonstration of the compassionate heart of God that moves beyond our comfort zone and into the lives of individuals desperate for hope. At its root, evangelism is an invitation – an invitation for other people to find hope, redemption and transformation through encountering the grace, truth, and love of Christ.
What Is The Real Purpose Behind Evangelism?
Evangelism is not about compelling someone to believe what you do – it’s about being faithful in conveying the good news of God’s love to the lost. Each Christian has his/her own role in proclaiming the Good News of God’s love (through encouragement, through prayer, through acts of kindness, etc.) and declaring their faith openly. God has gifted us uniquely to accomplish this – some to teach, others to serve, and many to have simple conversations that plant seeds of hope in people’s lives. Our goal is not to “convert” others, but rather to reflect Christ so vividly in our lives that people will be attracted to Him through our living examples.
How Does Outreach Express the Heart of Jesus?
Outreach gives the gospel life in very practical and tangible ways. Outreach occurs far beyond the walls of a local church building, as well as into individual homes, streets, work places and communities. When we provide assistance to people in need, when we provide comfort to those that are sorrowful or when we lift up those that feel hopeless, we express the heart of Jesus. Outreach illustrates that the gospel is not only something to preach – it is something to live. When we show compassion, we speak a language that every person can understand.
Speaking Up About Your Faith With Confidence And Humility
God may nudge us at times to tell others about Him loudly – to give someone the encouragement they so desperately need. While evangelism does require confidence, it also requires gentleness. While evangelism requires the truth of God’s Word, it must always be spoken with love. When we declare our faith sincerely and humbly, hearts begin to open. When we share our personal testimonies, people see the power of God and realize that He is alive and available to them as well.
Going Beyond What We Normally Do
Evangelism begins when we stop looking inward and start looking outward. God calls us to move beyond our daily routine and see the spiritual needs all around us. A smile, a kind word, a helping hand, or a prayer prayed in faith can make a difference in someone’s life. When we go beyond ourselves, God reaches beyond Himself through us.
Love Brings Hope to People Everywhere
Each time we participate in an outreach effort, no matter how insignificant it may seem, we bring hope to someone. Whether we are feeding the hungry, visiting the lonely, mentoring young people, or providing comfort to those who are suffering, each of these expressions of love and kindness become vessels for God’s love to reach others. Through outreach efforts, we continually remind the world that hope is not a distant dream, and that God’s compassion has not been forgotten. Love in action is the most compelling expression of the Gospel.
A Doorway to Experience God’s Love
Each outreach effort creates a doorway for someone to experience God’s love in a real way. When we take the initiative to intentionally serve others and get out of our comfort zones, we carry the light of Christ into areas of the world that are desperately seeking hope. Even the smallest gesture can help to open hearts to God’s truth.
Compassion That Leads to Transformation
When compassion precedes evangelism, evangelism is strengthened. As we listen to, encourage, and build relationships with people where they are at, we create a safe environment for God’s love to penetrate their lives. When we serve others with kindness and genuinely care for their well-being, the message of Christ is made crystal clear.
The Call to Radiate the Light of Christ
Outreach and evangelism are not activities we occasionally engage in – they are a lifestyle of reflecting Christ. As we respond in obedience to God’s call to compassion and faithfulness, God uses our words, actions and presence to draw the hearts of people to Himself. The world is searching for peace, trying to find purpose, and yearning for hope. Our mission is simply, yet profoundly, to radiate the light of Christ boldly, to love others deeply, and to share the message of Christ faithfully. When we choose to live with this mission in mind, we become instruments that God can use to transform lives and grow His Kingdom.
