“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf; Be reconciled to God.”  2 Corinthians 5:20

One Friday night years ago, when my youngest son was about nine years old, everyone had plans, except Matthew and me. One of our neighbors’ sons had been over playing with Matt after school. His dad came by to pick him up on his way home and invited Matt and me to dinner at their house – they were having a party and he insisted we come. When we arrived, the house was busy and full of sweet, happy people. My friends were from Persia, and so were most of their guests. After dinner, the ladies gathered in the dining room, and I was asked to sit in the middle as we gathered around the large table. I could tell I was being positioned for something, but I had no idea what to expect. The eldest lady began to tell me the story of the prophet Bahai Allou, who was their “Reformist”, of sorts. One by one, the ladies each shared a bit about their faith and how it had impacted their lives through their belief in Bahai. It was very sweet, and I felt privileged that they wanted to share this with me. However, I didn’t want to offend them, and I didn’t know how it might appear to my host if I disagreed and presented the truth of the gospel at that time. I thanked them and went to check on my son, who was swimming in the pool with the other children.

As I sat and watched the children play, my neighbor came and sat beside me. I told him how sweet the ladies had been to share the stories and doctrine of their faith. Then I asked if he would mind if I shared with him the gospel of Jesus Christ, which was my faith. He agreed, and I proceeded to give him a summation of how God orchestrated the giving of His sinless Son to restore our broken relationship and allow us to receive forgiveness of our sins and spend eternity with Him. When I finished, I looked at him, and with tears streaming down his face, he said, “There is no greater love than to share your faith with your friends.” Then he graciously thanked me.

His appreciation for my desire to share my faith changed how I viewed sharing the gospel. No longer did I see it as something I was going to make someone endure, but I saw it as the caring and loving act that it is.

John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

When we share our belief in Jesus Christ with our loved ones and friends, we’re laying down our lives. We’re loving them more than our reputation or the desire to preserve and protect our standing with our friends.

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15