IT’S ALL RELATIVE WHEN SHARING YOUR FAITH

“Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” – Luke 6:31.

It is not uncommon for a relative or family member to have a distaste for Christianity. You mention your faith, and your family changes the subject immediately. You credit God for doing something good in your life, and there’s an awkward silence. Some act annoyed or even offended when you invite them to a church service or a Bible study. The hard truth is that somebody needs to share the gospel with them, and family members can often be in the best position to do so. But yes, it can be intimidating because our families know our past, faults, and struggles. They know “what we’re really like.” While it may seem awkward, there are ways to talk about Christ with those we love that are possible and practical.

One thing to consider when sharing your faith with relatives is the golden rule. In other words, when talking with your family members about spiritual issues and the gospel, treat them the way you want to be treated. Don’t be confrontational or engage them in a group setting. Rather, have any spiritual conversation one-on-one. Ask the Lord to show you if there is anything that you need to address with your family members prior to sharing the gospel or talking about spiritual issues. Maybe it is an argument you had with the person or some unresolved issue that has built a wall between you.

Don’t be the person who goes on and on about a subject without listening to what others say, even when talking about spiritual issues. Too often, we don’t listen to the other person because we are too focused on formulating what we will say.

It is also important to let them know your true motive. The last thing we want to do is come across as pushy or preachy, self-righteous or that they are morally lacking. We want to be humble, helpful, and respectful. In other words, we want them to know your motive is that you want to share with them the most important aspect of your life, your relationship with the Lord.

From a practical standpoint, we need to be prepared for the long haul when sharing the gospel with family members. Sometimes, we think evangelical success means sharing the gospel and sealing the deal in one step. That may not happen. Remember, sharing Christ with relatives is more often a marathon than a sprint. Focus on moving them at least one step closer to Christ with each encounter.

If we don’t succeed after several tries, we may be tempted to consider a relative a “lost cause.” But don’t give up. Continue to pray for individuals because you never know God’s timetable and your role in that timetable.

Our responses matter, but only Jesus saves people. Mark 4 talks about planting seeds. We know how to plant seeds. But we do not understand how the plants grow. We do not tell the plants what they must do. But each plant grows by itself. And it continues to grow until the new seeds are ready. It is God who causes the seeds to grow. So we may sow the seeds. But God did the most important work. The seed is like God’s message. People must tell God’s message to other people. But only God can save someone. Only God can change a person’s life. These things are God’s work.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can you listen actively and understand your family member’s perspectives before sharing your faith? 
2. How do you avoid being judgmental or condescending when discussing your faith with your family? 
3. How can you use shared experiences or life situations as a springboard to discuss spiritual matters with family?