An ordinary family can share Christ’s message with neighbors, friends, and even strangers — here are a few tips!The Gospel message concerns all human beings and touches on every aspect of our lives. Here are a few tips to help you share it with people you encounter every day.
It’s never too early
Even young children can share the Gospel. Their passion and candor are surprising and awe-inspiring. When kids want to tell their friends — or strangers! — about the Lord, it’s important we support their admirable initiative.
We must always keep in mind that there is no right age to speak about Christ. As a rule, children are more open to the action of the Holy Spirit than we are. So we must not do anything to dampen their enthusiasm. Chances are it has been inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Sharing the message of Christ in our circles
Play dates and school trips can be great occasions to meet other parents, become friends, and have real conversation about faith. But we must also open our eyes and ears to spot those who may be lonely, troubled, or in need.
Some of the most effective evangelizers are friendly, kind moms, who don’t use fancy words or tire their listeners with personal stories but, like Christ, simply show their love. It seems that The Holy Spirit always puts the right words into their mouths to reassure, console, delight, or enlighten.
Don’t forget the neighbors
Our neighbors are never sent to us by accident. It’s the Lord who entrusts them to us. So the quality of our relationship with them is important. We must overcome the reserve that prevents us from reaching out to them. Naturally, it’s our duty as good neighbors to respect their privacy, but today, so many people live side by side without the knowledge of who their neighbors are. There are so many people who suffer and even die alone, without anyone taking notice.
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So, how can we love our neighbors and refuse to know them? How do we go beyond the mere “hello” or “have a nice day” and tell them about Christ? Lending a hand or taking turns at driving kids to school can be an excellent occasion to develop relationships with them.
To share the Gospel message, you must find the right occasion
Our work places, associations, and schools present us with opportunities to meet new people and share our faith. Sharing a common interest or a goal helps to build a strong bond, which is a natural place from which to say more about Christ.
A person eager to share the Gospel message can always find ways to do so if he or she maintains a close bond with the Holy Spirit and remembers that it is God who gives the gift of faith, we are just instruments, called to show His love to all.
Christine Ponsard
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Bishop Barron offers free online course on evangelization