Sharing the gospel: Overcoming fear

Major Phil Layton encourages us to turn to the Holy Spirit for the conviction to share the good news.

I used to think that sharing the good news about Jesus was a scary thing to do, best left to others. But when the Holy Spirit convicted me of my human fear and pride, and through Scripture reminded me of the mission of Jesus – to seek and to save the lost (see Luke 19:10) – I was led to wonder: Do I love others enough to tell them about Jesus? What would the consequences be of not telling them? It would perhaps make my life more comfortable, but what about their lives? Would they be better off if I introduced them to Jesus? Of course! 

We have been given the commission, as ambassadors of Christ, to implore people to be reconciled to God (see 2 Corinthians 5:20). If the only way to be reconciled to God is through the repenting of our sin and trusting in Jesus as our Saviour – and it is the only way (see John 14:6) – then why would I hesitate from telling others about this truth? Surely to not share the good news either implies that it is not worth sharing, or that the people I live, work or socialise with, or pass by in the street, are not worth saving. 

These thoughts truly bother me – as they should.

Convicted by the Holy Spirit to love God and to love others, it is not enough for me to be charitable, provide food parcels or fight for social justice. Although these issues are important, we must never lose sight of our priority to seek the lost, proclaim the gospel and make disciples – it is the reason why Jesus came. 

To share the good news, what I need is not ‘less fear’, but ‘more love’ – because if I truly love God and love others, then I will tell them about the necessity and urgency of repentance and trust in Jesus as our Saviour from sin. 

What about fear, pride, ridicule, ostracism or persecution? To overcome these, I prepare and equip myself with the help of the Holy Spirit, I consider what Jesus went through for me, and I consider the eternal destination of the lost. 

How do I go about sharing the good news? In any and every way that the Spirit nudges me to do so.

I find much fulfilment in putting gospel tracts through people’s doors or handing them out outside our church, or giving neighbours Christmas and Easter cards with a gospel message inside, or sending Christian videos and asking for feedback. The most joyful experiences are when I simply pray for opportunities for one-to-one encounters, for gospel conversations with individuals – for example, by speaking of my own need for Jesus or by using major life events as launchpads for conversations. More people want to talk about the afterlife than we realise. 

The Bible is very clear about the need and the importance of sharing the good news of eternal salvation by grace, through faith in Jesus. All Christians are expected to be witnesses for Jesus, fishers of people, ambassadors for Christ. 

I am by no means an expert at this, but when I pray for opportunities, I then become more aware of them. The Holy Spirit’s nudge helps me to put love into action and share the good news of who Jesus is. 

One day, my life will be over. All I want to hear is my Master saying the words ‘well done, good and faithful servant’. And so, for the rest of my life I am committed to asking the Holy Spirit to show me more opportunities to share the good news.