Friend, I’m sure you remember the days when you did not believe. But for the love and concern of a believer who gently introduced you to Christ, you might be lost and doomed to this very day. My heart is filled with joy that you are a believer and we are members of this great community, the Christian church. Let us not forget this is not a secret community but one meant for the world. As believers, we are charged with the role of spreading the Gospel to those who are unbelievers. Jesus instructed us to bring others to him so they may know him.
The blunt truth is not everyone you have ever encountered is in Heaven now or guaranteed to get there. Unbelievers are not there, nor will they ever be. Man without Christ cannot please God because, in unbelief, he cannot do what is pleasing to God. The Scriptures make it clear there are people who are saved and others who are lost. The saved are those who trust Jesus Christ as their eternal Savior. The lost are those who do not trust Christ as Savior. This is most difficult to accept readily, for we both know and love unbelievers. For unbelievers to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, they must understand the Gospel’s primary message. They need to understand how they are born as sinners, and it is only through Christ that they can be saved. And here is the point of this letter – if we genuinely and deeply love them, we will tell them about Jesus.
You must remember that Jesus came to your rescue when you were lost. So now, out of gratitude and love, you are called to find opportunities to do what you can to help others who do not know God, especially among those who are dearest to you. The example Jesus gave you is to build relationships with people who do not know him. When you meet a person who has not yet embraced the truth, you are to have the compassion of Jesus and extend your friendship and grace. Isolating yourself from unbelievers, including strong opposers, misses the point of sharing the good news of Jesus. You were once against God in your unbelief, yet God was gracious to you. Be motivated, then, to share the good news of Christ. And do not just wait for an opportunity to present itself to you; instead, create those opportunities in all you do. Sharing the Gospel is not a hobby or a season but a full-time occupation. For the benefit of those unbelievers you love, this is worthy work to which you must commit yourself.
How do you engage with the unbeliever? Gently and wisely because the reputation of the Gospel depends on you. The world judges Christianity by what it sees in you. Represent it well with kindness, holiness, and reverence to the Lord. Your conduct before an unbeliever should be steeped in grace, your speech overflowing with wisdom. Be humble, loving, caring, kind, and gentle. Your outreach to every person should be fitting to the occasion. Do not hijack a conversation or situation, especially when your audience is not in the mood to listen to you. It is essential to know when not to speak. It is often best to simply listen to someone and wait for a better time. Trust the Holy Spirit; he will guide you in this matter.
I should tell you to prepare yourself for rejection. Christians are called narrow-minded because they believe there is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus Christ. You will be ridiculed, if not outright persecuted, for speaking this truth, perhaps even by members of your own family. Yet, despite these attacks, you are to love and have forbearance. You are not required to convert people; your only requirement is to tell the truth. When you are rejected, insulted, or persecuted, the proper response is to pray for your opposer. In his abundant grace and mercy, God can and will intervene in the lives of unbelievers in response to your prayers. Walk piously among unbelievers so that they may judge you with favor and may themselves be converted to Christ.
Friend, I am not writing only about the unbeliever; I include the lukewarm in my message. Some do not oppose Christ but do not have a passion for him either. Many come from Christian backgrounds and have an idea of who Jesus is but may have never seen the need for him to assure their salvation. They must know that their works and religious practices do not lead to salvation. It is not a thing to be earned. They have to come to know and believe in Jesus. This is where you come in. Remind them that salvation is a gift from God and only by the grace of Jesus Christ.
Before I go, let me remind you that if you truly love anyone, you will tell them about Jesus. Beloved, I urge you to face the people and tell them something worth hearing: how to have an eternal life. People in every corner of the world are looking for a truth that inspires hope. Let them hear it and praise God if anyone is led to Christ. Amen.
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