Me?  How can I talk to anyone about Jesus?

Have you ever felt like that?

Honestly, I have talked to people about Jesus more times than I can remember, but there are still times when I get a bit nervous.

According to studies AND what I’ve seen and been told, many Christians want to talk about Jesus but feel nervous.  Some of us worry that we’ll say the wrong thing.  Some don’t want to sound pushy.  Some are afraid that they don’t know enough.  What makes you nervous about talking with others about Jesus?

In 1 Peter 3:15, Peter said that we need to be ready to explain why we have the hope of Jesus to anyone who asks.  And I want to assure you that if you live for Jesus, people will notice, and they’ll want to know why.

So, let’s look at how we actually can share Jesus.

1. Pray about it.

Of course, this comes first because we know that we should pray about everything – especially sharing how someone can be saved.

In an average day, you are surrounded by SO many people who do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior.  You probably know of several people in your life who need Him.  Either way, ask God to help you see them as He sees them.  He wants all to come to faith, so we should want the same.

I encourage you to start your day by asking God to help you notice those who need to hope of Jesus.  Ask Him to give you the wisdom and courage that you need to speak up.

Pray about it before you do it.

2. Listen to them.

Have you ever heard the phrase, “No one cares what you know until they know that you care”?  It is true.

Also, how did it make you feel when you were talking with someone who wanted to control the conversation and not listen to you?  You want them to listen, right?

We need to show the person that we care.  Listen to them.  Pay attention to them.  Show that you care.

Ask questions about what’s going on in their life.  Usually, it will lead to some issue or problem that they are dealing with, and that enables you to then ask if they’d like to hear what has helped you.

James 1:19 reminds us of an important way of living: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”  Jesus cares about the person with whom you want to talk, so we should care as well.

You may not have a clear opportunity the first time you try, but you can start the process of showing the person that you care and want to help.

3. Share your story.

The longer you live, the bigger story you have.  Share your story.

Your story doesn’t have to be dramatic or sensational.  However, your story is like mine.  You realized that you are a sinner and could not get to Heaven on your own.  You realized that because Jesus loves you, He paid the price for sin that you deserve to pay.  You realized that you can accept His forgiveness and salvation.  So, you asked Jesus to save you, and He did.

Whether you consider your testimony, your story to be flashy or boring does not matter.  What matters is that you came to realize that you need Jesus, and that is what you are praying that your person will do.

4. Explain God’s plan

It isn’t enough to make them think that you can relate to them.  You have to show them how they can be changed, set free, given hope, and experience peace.  You need to tell them what God says about becoming a Christian.

There are many different ways that you can explain why we need to be saved and how to become a Christian.  There are many biblical verses that you can (and should) use when you tell your story.  I encourage you to talk with your pastor about it.  Ask him what verses you should use and how you could best talk to someone about Jesus.  I promise – he will be glad to share those things with you because he knows you better than some guy in a blog.

Explain that God does not promise to take away tough times, but He promises to walk with us and give us strength when we trust Him.  Show the person how Jesus can make a difference in their life.

Also, understand that you don’t have to know everything.  If you are asked something that you don’t know, simply say, “That’s a good question.  Let me look into it for you.  I want to give you the best answer that I can.”

5. Be respectful

Again, remember that Jesus cares about them, so you should care too.

Also remember that everyone won’t be ready to commit their lives the first time they hear about Jesus.  That’s ok because the Bible tells us to share while the Holy Spirit does the convicting.  So, share, continue to pray for them, keep living for Jesus, and look for future opportunities to share.

Too many people think that Christians are hateful and negative because they often hear us talk about Jesus when we are griping about something.  We can have and share firm convictions without being jerks.  Instead, be respectful.  “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6

This week, begin taking small steps.  Pray for someone that you could talk to.  Talk with that person about life and find out how God could make a difference in their situation.  Share how Jesus has helped you.

You see, you CAN talk about Jesus at any time.

For a deeper dive, click the picture below to read Sam Chan’s book on how we CAN talk about Jesus at any time…