Do You Hate Witnessing?
I realize that sharing the Gospel can be a terrifying task for many Christians. Whether it's fear of rejection, lack of confidence, or uncertainty about how to share the gospel effectively, witnessing can often feel overwhelming and intimidating.
In the book "I Hate Witnessing," author Dick Inness addresses these challenges head-on and provides practical advice and encouragement for Christians who struggle with witnessing. In this blog article, I’ll share some of his key takeaways concerning overcoming the fear of witnessing.
Innes says that one of the main reasons Christians struggle with witnessing is fear. Fear of rejection, fear of not knowing what to say, fear of being labeled as "pushy" or "judgmental." He says that in order to overcome this fear, you need to engage in prayer, Bible study, and practice. I would say that the fear of rejection is a big one. No one wants to be rejected. I often tell Christians that when it comes to witnessing, people are not rejecting you, they are rejecting Christ. Jesus says, “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me (Luke 10:16).
Inness suggests that Christians should pray for boldness and guidance when it comes to witnessing. He also recommends memorizing key Bible verses that can be used in conversations with non-believers. It's funny how we can remember the words of songs but have a hard time remembering scripture. I used the word “we” because I fall into that category as well. However, I make it a point to rehearse and recite scripture throughout the day. Now I may not know as many verses as others, but I do know the ones that I know. And while this is another topic for another day, memorizing a verse and understanding it can be two different things. Seek the understanding of the scripture, and remembering it will become easier.
Lastly, Inness encourages Christians to practice. He suggests starting with small conversations and gradually working up to more challenging situations. He also recommends finding a witnessing partner or mentor who can offer guidance and support. His overall point is that overcoming the fear of witnessing requires intentional effort.
The Bible says whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:9). And I believe that with intentional effort, Christians can become more confident and effective witnesses for Christ. I praying for you!
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