Evangelism is More Than Just Talking

When we hear the word “evangelism” it’s easy to think about sharing Christ as a thing to “do” rather than a way of life.

I get it, I’ve been there.

Often times, witnessing becomes an “event” and this mindset sticks with us even into our adult years. I remember in youth group we would make events out of passing out tracts, or going into city streets or shopping malls to pray for people, or even put together special services to invite friends to church.

I’m not putting any of those things down, but as we have been ministering to grieving parents, we’ve quickly discovered that love and compassion in action is a powerful way of sharing Christ with those around us. Evangelism isn’t just praying with a person to accept Jesus as their Savior, but it includes planting seeds of His love, and then being willing to take the time to water those seeds.

And often we feel a need to evangelize or “preach” at someone, helping them get the victory in their difficult circumstance, when what they really need is someone to listen to them and feel their pain with them. As a whole, the Christian community is good at rejoicing with those who rejoice, but not so good at weeping with those who weep (Romans 12:15). We would rather find a way to fix them, so we can move on.

Sometimes that means spending time with others, such as

1. Inviting them out for coffee or over for a meal 
2. Recommending a book or move with Christian themes, and follow up with an invitation to discuss it in a comfortable setting
3. Simply being in the right place at the right time

What are some “love-in-action” ways you’ve shared Christ’s love with others? Feel free to tell us in the comments below. Perhaps they would help the rest of us, including Dave and myself in our ministry to grieving parents.

GPS Hope exists to walk with grieving parents through the suffocating darkness of child-loss to a place of hope, light and purpose.

 We also support families, friends and coworkers who want to know how to support these parents both short and long-term.

• If you are not a bereaved parent but want to support those who are, or want to follow us as we give hope to these precious parents, please connect with us at Friends of GPS Hope on Facebook.
• If you are a bereaved parent, we encourage you to connect with us on Facebook.
• Subscribe  to Laura’s YouTube channel for grieving parents.