Explaining Your Belief to Others

Do you ever feel like you had an opportunity to explain your faith to others but couldn’t explain it well? Perhaps you decided to stay after work to help a coworker on a project or to buy coffees for your team on your way to the office, but when asked why you did so, you simply answered, “I just wanted to.”

Oftentimes, Jesus prompts us to do inexplicable things that will help bring others closer to him. If he is the source of inspiration for why you’re doing something, be sure to give him the credit and have an answer prepared for why you let him lead your life. In fact, this is what the apostle Paul admonishes Timothy to do in 2 Timothy 2:15: Be prepared to correctly explain the word of truth without shame.

Our study of the Word of God allows us to better understand Christ and his nature, giving us leverage in conversations when we are asked to explain our belief. But if we don’t study, we leave ourselves at a disadvantage. We should consider the possibility that we might be the only minister at our workplace. That makes it all the more important to have concise and clear answers prepared.

Paul also tells Timothy that there’s a difference in talking about your belief in confidence and getting involved in foolish arguments about faith (2 Timothy 2:23). As Christ-followers, we are expected to show patience to everyone. This means recognizing when others are not yet ready to hear about Jesus. Pushing the issue could lead to an argument, which Paul warns against. Instead, pray for that person and believe that the seed planted will be watered in other ways.

Explaining what you believe is one of the five daily habits talked about during our Marketplace Mission Trip. Have you taken a Marketplace Mission Trip with Follower of One? You can sign up for the next trip here.