Tell It Like It Is

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 3:13-17

If you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15

Telling God that you want to share your faith might excite you. Or it might make you scared to death. Perhaps you’re afraid your friends will reject you. Or that you don’t know enough. Or that you’ll mess up an incredibly important message.

Not to worry. Let’s think about some things you should say—or not. Vote “yea” or “nay” on whether you should slip these statements in when you share your faith:

(a) The reason you don’t believe in Jesus is because you’re really stupid.

(b) Being a Christian means you have to walk, talk, act, dress, and doodle Christian slogans all over your school notebooks just like me.

(c) My church is the only church any real Christian would go to.

(d) I could tell you about Jesus, but the thought of spending eternity with you in heaven makes me gag.

(e) Trusting Jesus will instantly take care of every problem in your life—including your bad breath.

Well, that covers a few things not to say.

Actually, sometimes when we get nervous, messed-up words slip from our lips. But we don’t need to be nervous. Without being pushy or proud, we can be confident in talking about Jesus with people who don’t know him. Here are some helpful tips.

1. Get ready. You don’t need to memorize the Bible for God to use you to share your faith. Yet you can keep learning. And each time you share your faith, you’ll know more for the next time.

2. Don’t feel threatened. You are representing Christ, so he won’t leave you dangling. When you discuss the gospel with your friends, God’s power is at work in you.

3. Don’t argue. Just share the gospel with your friend, quietly asking the Holy Spirit to guide you. Then let your caring attitude be what helps to convince your friend that your message is true.

4. Don’t be afraid of questions. Your friend might have a million questions. If you can’t answer a question, tell your friend you will find out more and give an answer at another time.

TALK: How can you prepare so you will be ready to share Christ when he gives you the opportunity? How can you work as a family to reach out together?

PRAY: Ask God for opportunities to share Christ with your friends.

ACT: Which one of those tips do you most need to put into practice? Talk to God and a wise Christian about it.