Joyfully Share Jesus

Jan 19

When was the last time you shared about Jesus?

In Matthew 28:19-20, we find the commandment to make disciples of all nations and teach them. As followers of Christ, we should joyfully obey the words of Jesus.

When it comes to sharing about Jesus, it can be rather scary. We read Scriptures where people were persecuted, imprisoned, and even killed for loving Jesus. Additionally, this continues today when we read stories about missionaries who are imprisoned or killed for sharing the Gospel.

Even with the possibilities of these things happening, we should joyfully share Christ.

When we read about Andrew in John 1:40-42a, the first thing Andrew wanted to do after hearing about Jesus was to tell his brother. What excitement he must’ve had!

“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus” (NIV).

We also read Paul’s letters filled with encouragement to love Christ above all and even suffer for His sake. In his letter to the Philippians, he reminds them that even in the midst of suffering and persecution, Christ is magnified and He still changes people, even when we don’t realize.

“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear” (Philippians 12-14, NIV).

Paul encourages people to proclaim the Gospel, even if opposition may happen, because their result is knowing and suffering for Christ’s sake. For Paul, knowing Christ and sharing Christ was a true joy, even though he suffered.

Let us be like Andrew–excited to share Jesus because of our encounter with Him.

And let us be like Paul–joyful to share Jesus even if we face suffering for it.

Read Philippians 1:21-26 for further reflection of heart posture in proclaiming the Gospel.

Ashleigh

Ashleigh is a 21-year-old writer saved by God's grace. She lives in Peoria, IL, but she longs to live in Maine. She has always loved to write, and she desires that her words bring people to the feet of Jesus to find hope. Ashleigh enjoys serving the Lord by uplifting others through baking, writing and sending out encouragement cards.

With her desire to work in college ministry to reach young adults with the Gospel, Ashleigh hopes to pursue a master’s in Theological Studies in the near future. In the meantime, she works at her local church daycare during the week and hopes to volunteer more now that she's a recent college graduate. She also enjoys reading, baking, crocheting and an occasional hike.

You can connect with her on instagram here.