Something stirred in me during our cell group this week. I realized that when it comes to sharing my faith, I hold back more than I’d like to admit.
It’s not that I don’t want to share. My faith is the foundation of my life. But when conversations drift toward deeper topics, I sometimes hesitate. Not because I’m ashamed, but because I don’t want to say the wrong thing. I don’t want to sound pushy. I don’t want to make things awkward.
But as I sat there reflecting, I had to ask myself—why am I so afraid?
Where Does My Identity Come From?
I think, deep down, I worry about how I’ll come across. Will I sound sincere? Will I explain things well?
But then I remember: my identity is not in how well I communicate or how people perceive me. My identity is in Christ.
2 Timothy 1:7 reminds me, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
If I truly believe this, why do I approach faith conversations with hesitation instead of confidence? Not confidence in myself, but confidence in Him?
It’s Not About Having All the Right Words
I used to think that sharing my faith meant I had to explain everything perfectly. What if I fumbled my words? What if I couldn’t answer a tough question?
But the truth is, it’s not my job to convince anyone—that’s the work of the Holy Spirit.
John 16:8 says, “When he (the Holy Spirit) comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.”
That truth brings so much freedom. My role isn’t to have all the answers—it’s simply to share my story and let God do the rest.
Speaking with Grace and Wisdom
Another thing I’ve been thinking about is how I share.
1 Peter 3:15 says,
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
That part at the end—gentleness and respect—really stands out to me.
Boldness doesn’t mean being loud or forceful. It doesn’t mean inserting my faith into every conversation. It simply means being ready—ready to share when the moment comes, and to do it with kindness and sincerity.
Then there’s Colossians 4:6, which says,
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
I love the imagery here. Salt enhances flavor—it doesn’t overpower it. That’s how I want my words to be. Thoughtful. Gracious. Pointing to something deeper, but never in a way that feels forced.
Being Prepared for Rejection
Even as I learn to step out in faith, I know not every conversation will end the way I hope. Some people will dismiss what I say. Some may push back.
And that’s okay.
Jesus Himself experienced rejection. In Luke 10:16, He told His disciples,
“Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
Rejection doesn’t mean failure. My job isn’t to change hearts—my job is simply to ask. To share when the moment comes, knowing that only God can do the deeper work.
Praying for Opportunities
In Acts 4, when the early believers faced opposition, they didn’t pray for protection or for things to be easier. They prayed for boldness.
“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness.” – Acts 4:29
That’s my prayer now. Lord, help me to be bold—not in a way that overwhelms, but in a way that invites. Help me to be ready when You open the door.
What I’m Learning
I know I won’t get this right all the time. But here’s what I want to remember:
- I don’t have to force it. Sharing my faith isn’t about inserting it into every conversation—it’s about being open when the opportunity comes.
- It’s okay if I don’t have all the answers. God is the one who works in hearts, not me.
- My words should be full of grace. Boldness and gentleness are not opposites; they go hand in hand.
- I want to be intentional. Not to overthink or hesitate, but to recognize when God is leading me to share.
- Rejection is not a failure. My job is to ask. The outcome is in God’s hands.
If you’ve ever wrestled with this, you’re not alone. It’s something I’m still learning, too. But maybe we can remind each other that we don’t have to be afraid.
After all, “The righteous are bold as a lion.” – Proverbs 28:1
What About You?
Have you ever struggled with knowing when or how to share your faith? How do you navigate the balance between boldness and grace? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s encourage each other as we learn to walk this out.
