Following JesusSample

How to have a conversation with someone about Jesus

You know the feeling. Your heart is racing, your palms are sweaty, and your head is spinning. You’re talking to a friend, and you know you’re supposed to bring Jesus into the conversation.

You finally have the courage to talk about Jesus — even if it makes you the weirdo. So what do you say? What if you do it wrong? 

Because following Jesus affects every part of life, conversations about faith can come to us a million different ways. We can’t always predict the questions we’ll be asked or who will be asking, but we can be ready to speak up when Holy Spirit tells us to. 

First, pray. Pray regularly for your friends and family who don’t know Jesus. When we’re praying for someone, we tend to be more sensitive to what God is doing in their lives.

Then, when you find yourself in that moment, invite the Holy Spirit into the conversation. You can stop the conversation and pray with them. Or, just speak to the Holy Spirit silently: “Holy Spirit, I invite you into this conversation. Take over my mouth.”  

Next, remember to speak the truth in love. No one likes to be told what to do or that they’re wrong, but everyone wants a better life and that’s what Jesus offers. Ask lots of questions, and reassure the person that you love them whether or not they agree with you. 

Speaking the truth in love means recognizing that being right is not a reason to be obnoxious. Even if the person you’re talking to doesn’t remember a thing you said, they will remember how you made them feel. 

Finally, leave the results to God. We can’t control how someone will respond to what we say. Maybe a close friend will decide they don’t want to hang out because you’re not partying like you used to. Or, maybe you’ll find yourself leading someone into a relationship with Jesus!

Our job is to listen to the Holy Spirit and follow His lead. God’s job is everything else. Your words might give someone the courage to make a change. Or, you might be one of many people God is putting in that person’s life to draw them into a relationship with Him. 

Reflect: 

• Who is the Lord putting on your heart to talk to?
• What is keeping you from being bold in talking about Jesus?