Question: How do I get over being so hesitant to share my faith with others?

Answer: Always start with prayer! Pray for God’s Holy Spirit to give you the discernment to know when you should share your beliefs with others and that you will know what to say. Most people will quickly reject your message if they feel like they are being ambushed. Make sure you are dealing with them in a way that reflects God’s love for them. By approaching others in this way, you will be able to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NKJV)

One of the first areas you should focus on when letting your light shine is in your attitude. Is your outlook on life reflective of your biblical beliefs? Do you think such things as, “Nothing good ever happens to me!” or “If it can go wrong, it will go wrong!” When you look at life in these ways, you are not showing the faith Believers are supposed to have in God. Instead, you should remember that our loving Father has promised to bless His children.

God’s word says, “Ask, and it will be given to you, seek; and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened…. If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:7-8,11)

Know that what God has for you is for you! He will bless you according to His will for your life! You should make sure you are reflecting this biblical outlook on life in your communications and conversations with family, friends, and others. Doing so will be letting your light shine!

Also, in your conversations with others, you should be expressing your thoughts in ways that reflect God’s love. Are you always being critical of others? Are you often putting people down? Are you using foul language or telling or laughing at dirty jokes? Are you constantly spreading gossip? If so, you are not being “salt and light” for the Lord! Ask Jesus to forgive you and repent of these sins. He will forgive you. Then, you won’t look like a hypocrite when you tell others about how much of a Believer you are! They will be able to match your talk with your profession of faith. (See Colossians 4:6)

Of course, another way you let your light shine is through your actions. Do you try to do things to help those in need? Do you treat people fairly and with respect? Do you try to encourage those who are dealing with challenging situations? Are you reading your Bible, attending church regularly, and giving financially to the work of the Lord? You are being “salt and light” for God when people see you doing these things!

Do you continue to lie, cheat, steal, or engage in sexual sin? If so, then you’re reflecting the darkness of Satan rather than the light of God. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8)

And what about our willingness to share our faith? By not sharing our faith with others at the appropriate times, we may look like we are ashamed of our beliefs. Be aware of Jesus’ warning about this: “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38)

Bottom line? Don’t be hesitant or afraid to share your faith in God. Tell others how He has blessed you. Let them know that they also can be saved through faith in Jesus Christ. So, go ahead– be bold. And let your light shine!