The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13:49-52

Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”
Luke 10:16 

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. “
Matt. 11:28-30

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My precious ten-year-old daughter stormed up the stairs stomping as hard as her little legs allowed. As she slammed the bedroom door, she bellowed, “I hate you!” Being an adult, I was truly unaffected. I knew she loved me. She was frustrated with my rules and consequences. The energy in her ego-centric child mind had to go somewhere, and “hate” was the easiest emotion to verbalize and project. My daughter was not rejecting me, she was rejecting my standards. I could see through the chaotic haze.

I approach sharing my faith with the same casual shoulder shrug. I gently, at an appropriate moment, speak God’s standard for eternal life. Jesus said, “They are rejecting me,” so I attempt not to internalize an unreceptive response.  I sometimes actually shake my foot with a deep breath to release that negative vibe. I pray for them when we part company. I ask God if I should do or say more. This whole deal is on God, I’m too small to shoulder the responsibility. If I internalized each rejection it would immobilize me. Earlier in my faith journey, rejection paralyzed me, and I couldn’t help but think that Satan delighted in that. I desire for God’s delight so I continued to try.

The last time I shared about Jesus was with a Muslim man in Indonesia. I asked about his beliefs, and he proceeded to tell me that Jesus was a great prophet. I shared a C.S. Lewis quote that suggests Jesus is either God or a madman since He claimed to be God. This gentleman said Jesus never claimed to be God. I asked if I could text him Bible verses that said otherwise, and he agreed. He responded to the text with a thumbs-up emoji. Considering we never talked about religion again, I wondered if the emoji was the equivalent of a condescending pat on the head. I didn’t feel rejected, though. I felt I followed the Holy Spirit’s lead and said to God, “I’m sure You have a plan in all this. He is a lovely man, and I know You want him saved. Thanks for letting me participate in the tiniest way.”

In my context, there really aren’t any reasons not to share Jesus with people. I am never in fear of imprisonment or for my life. I can shrug off a bit of offended feelings. I cannot speak to the incredible bravery of the Christians who risk everything for their witness, like the Disciples did. 

Next Steps

When was the last time you shared your faith with someone who doesn’t know Jesus? If it’s been a while, ask yourself why. What changes can you make to grow in boldness?