Love RiotSample

Day 6

Go Out and Speak Out

Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16, Romans 1:16-17, Romans 10:14-21

We’ve been given a commission. Jesus’ final challenge and assignment was: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15).

This commission is not optional. Jesus didn’t isolate this calling to those who are pastors or overseas missionaries. He didn’t tack on a caveat for introverts or people who find it uncomfortable. It’s not a special calling for a select few. It’s simply basic discipleship. 

He said go and that means we’re supposed to go. Into our cities or to the farthest parts of the world. Into our schools, neighborhoods, and communities or across the ocean to another country. The key is not our physical location, but our faithfulness with the opportunities God grants us each day. 

Sharing the gospel isn’t easy. I often find it uncomfortable and I regret times when I’ve refused an opportunity God gave me because I was afraid. Once, during a sermon on evangelism, my pastor said, “Silence is the enemy of truth.” It hit me hard. I realized I didn’t have a witnessing problem or an introvert problem—I had a love problem. I was so wrapped up in me and my anxieties that I didn’t love others like Jesus.

We’re called to love those around us and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Yes, that often looks like practically serving them (for example, feeding the homeless, showing kindness to those around us, offering time and resources to those in need). But that’s not where it ends. Is it loving to ignore the fact that each person we meet has an eternity before them? An eternity possibly separated from God? Is it loving to provide for people’s physical needs and ignore their spiritual needs—especially when their spiritual needs affect not only this life but all eternity? That’s not love. That’s apathy.

Why would we want to keep the incredible news—of Jesus’s death, resurrection, and gift of eternal life to ourselves? Why should we hide the truth when so many people may have never heard the name of Jesus or known His great love?

My prayer is that we reject apathy, fall deeply in love with Jesus, and grow passionate about the gospel. I pray He sweeps us off our feet with the beauty of His sacrifice and starts a fire in our souls to share Him with others. 

The baton is in our hands. The greatest message in the world has been passed to us. As the next generation, we’re responsible for sharing it with generations to come. 

Will we? 

Will we have the boldness and singleness of mind and heart? Will we look to the cross and be flooded with passion for Christ? Or will we let the fire die because of apathy, self-focus, and fear?

Today, commit to accepting the commission. Say “yes” to Jesus. Pray hard and invite the Holy Spirit to equip you. And then, take the first step, and go.