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Share your story & listen to others

Sometimes the most powerful way to share the gospel is simply by telling your own story of how Jesus has changed your life. As the apostle Peter encourages us in today's passage, be prepared to give the reason for the hope that you have in Christ, but do it with gentleness and respect.

Your personal testimony can be a powerful tool in leading others to faith in Jesus. Ask God to give you opportunities to share your story with those who need to hear it, and be ready to share it when people ask. When I didn't know Jesus personally, I did know people were Christians. And I noticed how they were different from the others: They accepted me even when I didn't behave or belong the way they did. Instead of gossiping about me, they encouraged me. They were also content with their lives, even though they didn't have much material wealth or a career path sorted. I was so attracted to the peace they had, that I became curious and asked them, 'Why do you live the way you do?' They responded, 'Because of Jesus.' They shared their stories with me, and it was in that moment that I decided I wanted to encounter Jesus for myself. That day changed my life forever.

After they shared their story, I wanted to experience what they had, and they invited me to church. After sharing your story, it is good to be ready to invite people to come and see for themselves. Inviting someone to church or to youth group are great ways for people to experience first-hand the love and life that Jesus brings to you. When you invite others to come and see for themselves, they can get a real sense of what it means to follow Jesus and can feel that same sense of belonging that you have. Plus, it opens the door for meaningful conversations and connection, so maybe think how you can extend that invite.

It's also important that we don't just do all the talking but that we ask questions and listen too. David W. Augsburger said, 'Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they almost indistinguishable'. Or in other words, they are almost the same. Love listens!

Because Jesus was a teacher, it's easy to think that he did all the talking, but the truth is, in the Bible, Jesus asked a total of 307 questions and he was asked about 183 questions by others. Jesus loved people; he listened to people. Love empathises and our love for others enables us to have compassion for others. Be ready to share your story, but first, be willing to listen to theirs.