What Is Your Story?
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
-- Matthew 28:18-20
Talking about Jesus with people who aren’t Christians can be pretty scary. No one wants to be rejected and, honestly, bringing up Jesus to nonbelievers is like asking to be rejected. Yet it is what Jesus told us to do.
So how do you talk with someone about Jesus? Well, the first step is considering your own story. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Sometimes it is. Most times it’s just not something we really think about. But how can we talk with someone who doesn’t know Jesus about faith when we’ve never really thought about how our own faith emerged?
Consider a few questions:
Have you always known Jesus? Did you grow up in church and your salvation was just assumed from the beginning?
Did you come to know Jesus later in life? When? Where? How?
Who is Jesus to you? I’m not talking about throwing out a few scriptures, such as John 3:16. I’m asking about your personal relationship with Jesus. Who is Jesus to you as you go through your daily life?
Why is knowing Jesus important? The easy answer is to gain forgiveness and eternal life with God. The more difficult answer goes back to your daily walk. None of us live lives free from pain and disappointment, from anger and displeasure. How does Jesus impact a life filled with things we’d rather not face?
Do you see where I’m going with these questions? You need to know and be able to articulate what your faith means to you before you can really share it with someone else. Your personal story is what draws people in and makes them want to know Jesus.
So think about these questions. Write down your story. There’s no right or wrong in this. Everyone’s story is unique. But when you figure out how Jesus came to be your Lord and Savior, then you’ll have the starting point to sharing your faith with others
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