2025-01-26 THE ABC's OF OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF EVANGELISM
Overcoming Fear: Embracing Love and Sharing the Gospel
Have you ever felt paralyzed by fear? Maybe it's the fear of flying, speaking in public, or even sharing your faith with someone. You're not alone. Many of us struggle with fear, especially when it comes to evangelism. But what if I told you that fear isn't the real problem? What if the key to overcoming fear lies in love? In this blog post, we'll explore how understanding and embracing God's love can help us conquer fear and boldly share the gospel with others.
Imagine being 100 feet below the ocean's surface, surrounded by the beauty of marine life, only to be gripped by the sudden fear of not being able to breathe. This was my experience while scuba diving, and it taught me a valuable lesson about fear. Just as there are techniques to overcome the fear of diving, the Bible provides us with ways to overcome the fear of sharing our faith. Let's dive into the ABCs of overcoming fear in evangelism.
Acknowledge the Real Problem
The first step in overcoming fear is to acknowledge the real problem. Fear is not the issue; it's a lack of love. As 1 John 4:18 reminds us, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear." When we are filled with God's perfect love, fear loses its grip on us. So, the question is, how is your love for God and others? If fear is holding you back from sharing the gospel, it might be time to examine your love for God and deepen your relationship with Him.
Believe the Gospel of Grace
Next, we need to believe the gospel of grace. 1 John 4:19 tells us, "We love because he first loved us." Our ability to love others and share the gospel is rooted in God's love for us. Reflect on the incredible grace God has shown you through Jesus Christ. Remember that He loved you first, not because of anything you've done, but because of who He is. By focusing on God's grace, you'll find the courage to share His love with others.
Commit to Authentic Obedience
Finally, commit to authentic obedience. 1 John 4:20-21 challenges us to love our brothers and sisters genuinely. If we claim to love God but don't love others, we're missing the mark. True love for God is demonstrated through our love for others, including sharing the gospel with them. Ask yourself, are you willing to let fear keep you from introducing someone to Jesus? Commit to stepping out in faith and sharing the good news, even when it's uncomfortable.
In conclusion, overcoming fear in evangelism is not about eliminating fear altogether but about allowing God's love to drive it out. By acknowledging the real problem, believing in the gospel of grace, and committing to authentic obedience, you can conquer fear and boldly share your faith. So, what will you do this week to let God's love lead you in sharing the gospel? Remember, without taking this step, you might miss out on what Jesus wants for you and for those around you.
Let's pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect love that casts out fear. Help us to grow in our love for You and others, so that we can boldly share the gospel. Give us the courage to step out in faith and trust in Your grace. May our lives be a reflection of Your love, drawing others to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.