They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love

The Lesson

This is a plea from an evangelist. People wonder why I write so much about the Great Commandment to love God and people. It’s because it is the secret to evangelism. If we love God with our entire heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves, nothing could stop us from sharing that love. When we don’t, no training can make us share the Gospel. When people know we are Christians by our love, we will share that love and people will follow that love anywhere.

I am in the unique position of visiting different churches. Lately, I’ve been burdened by what I see. Recently, I attended a Bible Study on a Proverb written by a father wisely teaching his son about dangers in the world. Our teacher encouraged us to write the names of sinners we knew next to the scripture containing the sins they committed. Over the next hour, she indicted all young people, those who watched two particular television shows, an entire race, and a segment of society. The worship service was the same. As the animated preacher worked up a head of steam, he even began belittling other Christian denominations and Christians exercising Biblical spiritual gifts. The hateful sermon and lesson were rants about non-believers and believers who interpreted God’s word differently. I wept for unsaved people who crossed their path and for members missing the joy of loving the lost and the benefits of reading scriptures for their own edification.

Gospel means good news. God is love. God’s word warns that Biblical words are foolish to the lost. Most Biblical instruction is to believers so shouting condemnation about and to nonbelievers does grave damage. Scriptures warn believers about the temptations and wages of sin, teaches us how to live in love, and tells us why and how to share the sweet Gospel. Jesus was firm with religious people and gentle with unbelievers trapped in sin. When we give the Biblical Gospel, demonstrate love, and invite people to meet Jesus, the Holy Spirit convicts them of sin. Once people know Jesus, the Bible changes them. When you read the Bible, allow it to change your heart. Don’t cheat yourself by using it to judge others. Certainly, like Jesus, hold believers accountable but understand that lost people act like lost people. When you see sin in the world, if you become enraged rather than broken hearted, my plea is to keep your mouth closed until you feel the life changing love and compassion of Jesus. Life is sweet when people know we are Christians by our love.

 

The Scripture

He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

 "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." Luke 10:27-28

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. John 3:16-17

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. Matthew 23:13

 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. Luke 23:24

Let Them Know We Are Christians

Love God with our entire heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Love our neighbors as ourselves.

Believe that Jesus came to earth because He loved sinners.

Jesus did not come to condemn the world and we should not either.

Don’t shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in men’s faces.

Love the way Jesus loves.

When you see people sinning, pray as Jesus prayed, “Father forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.”

Evangelism Tips

Share the ABC Gospel with Children

A: Admit that they are sinners. Explain sin and ask them to give examples. Quote: All have sinned and fallen short. The wages of sin is death.

B: Believe with their heart that God sent Jesus to earth for them and that Jesus died on a cross and rose from the dead. Quote: The gift of God is eternal life.

C: Confess: Confess Jesus with our mouths. Lead them in a prayer confessing that Jesus is Lord, that He came to earth and died for their sins. Lead them in asking for forgiveness of their sins and inviting Jesus into their life as Lord and Savior. Quote: All who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Evangelize America

Inviting people to meet Jesus works. Over the last week, I’ve found out that three children met Jesus last Saturday where I was the guest speaker at North Jacksonville’s Pirate and Princess Party. Heaven is throwing a party that is even more fun that that Pirate and Princess party and I’ve been celebrating too. I’ve heard that children are sharing the ABC’s of becoming a Christian. Pray for me as I plan my evangelism schedule. For now, I’m grounded as I wait on a small but slow healing wound to heal. I am not diabetic but the doctor says that sometimes this just happens. I need to be patient and follow directions. I’m not contagious but can’t lift so camping is impossible. I feel good and am still speaking, writing, and coaching. Major events start in June so pray for healing. I would love to come to your children’s event and share the ABC’s of becoming a Christian.

By Cheryle M. Touchton

Pocket Full of Change Ministries copyright