I Don’t Know Who to Talk To

From Keep It Simple by Marie Aitkin on YouVersion

A crucial detail in the story we read yesterday is that the woman left her water jar at the well, ran back to her village, and told everyone about her encounter with Jesus (and you’ll remember that not everyone would’ve necessarily liked or respected her). She simply couldn’t help herself, and she wasn’t concerned with the possible consequences of her passionate response to God’s grace.

John 4:28-30 ESV – So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” They went out of the town and were coming to him.

In contrast, you may be stuck thinking you don’t know who to talk to. If I may, I’d like to gently suggest that the problem is not who; it’s when. We should be able to talk to anyone about our faith. We all have people in our lives who aren’t followers of Jesus. Perhaps the issue is that all these non-Christians have been surrounding us for so long that we feel sharing our faith with them now would negatively affect those relationships. So instead, we join outreach programmes and go on short-term mission trips. Somehow it’s easier to talk freely about Jesus to strangers in another country than it is when we’re at a family gathering.

Matthew 5:14-16 ESV –  “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

In Mark’s gospel, we find the story of a demon-possessed man who met Jesus, was set free, and begged to go with Jesus – but Jesus didn’t let him. Instead, He told the man, ‘Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.’ (Mark 5:19) The man obeyed, and the people he told about his encounter with Jesus were amazed. You’ll likely discover that strangers may be impressed by your story, but those who know you will be impacted by your story.

Mark 16:15 ESV – And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Jesus calls us the light of the world, but if we believe we don’t have anyone to talk to about our faith, we’ll hide that light. When it comes to letting our light shine before those we’ve known for years, we should keep it simple and start small. Drop bits of your faith story or references to your relationship with Jesus into regular conversation, like mentioning the new coffee shop where you hung out with some friends after church. Gently, respectfully invite – never force – people into conversations about God. It may not be wise to go all in with a full gospel message or your whole story from start to finish the next time you see your unsaved coworker or sibling. Ask God for discernment. And remember that people are not projects. Don’t turn your unbelieving friend into an evangelism challenge. Ensure that they know you genuinely accept, appreciate, and care for them.

Acts 1:8 ESV – But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Today, take a few moments to remind yourself that God has placed you in a diverse community and He is calling you to shine the light of His truth and love right where you are. May you begin to see all the ways you can simply build connections with people inside and outside your existing community, sparking gentle, respectful conversations about your faith in Jesus. He is with you!