Has the prospect of sharing your faith ever intimidated or scared you? I think if we’re honest with ourselves, all who have tried to be faithful in the realm of evangelism would answer with a resounding “Yes!”
One of the reasons we may be fearful of engaging others in conversation about the gospel is that we imagine we need to have all the answers to the questions people will raise. It is, of course, good to be well-prepared, but we should always remember that only God opens blind eyes and softens hard hearts (Psalm 146:8; Ephesians 1:17-18). When men and women are born again, it is by the mysterious work of the Spirit of God (Ezekiel 36:26-27; Romans 8:1-11). Without that, all our arguments are quite useless.
However, as Gresham Machen observed, “Because argument is insufficient, it does not follow that it is unnecessary. What the Holy Spirit does in the new birth is not to make a man a Christian regardless of the evidence, but on the contrary to clear away the mists from his eyes and enable him to attend to the evidence.”
As you prayerfully consider your own evangelistic efforts, I hope this quick list of practical—and, I believe, biblical—tips for dealing with objections and questions while sharing your faith will be a help. Perhaps it will prompt you to be bolder and more loving in your next conversation with a neighbor, a loved one, or even a stranger.
1. Be patient.
In seeking to deal with difficult questions, it is important that we avoid launching into people’s faces, attempting to answer before they have even fully asked their questions. If we’re going to be sensitive, loving, and understanding, we must have the patience and courtesy to allow people to complete their thoughts or questions (Proverbs 14:29; 1 Corinthians 13:4).
2. Do not drown people in details.
It is more than possible to smother an inquirer with a vast array of information, drowning him or her with all we’ve managed to learn. What we know is probably good and important, but we can be too eager for the first chance to descend upon someone with every detail we know. Don’t do that.
3. Watch your tone.
We must answer people’s questions prayerfully and humbly but not condescendingly. As soon as such a tone creeps in, you’ll find people creeping out. While you certainly should always be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you,” Peter quickly points out that it must be done “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).
4. Provide thoughtful answers.
In our approach to answer difficult questions, we can easily forget conversational context. Are we talking to a college student, a doctor, someone who is wealthy, someone who is suffering? Consider the person’s real life and provide the answers that speak to that person individually. Anyone can search for an answer on Google, but God has equipped and called you to this conversation.
5. Shine the light in paths, not in faces.
During a routine traffic stop, a police officer shined his bright light directly into my window. I reeled back, blinded by the force of the glow. Psalm 119:105 tells us that God’s Word is like that bright light, but instead of dimming our vision, Scripture directs our steps. When we answer a difficult question, we have a responsibility to shine the light on the path to Jesus instead of blinding the person with personal judgment. When we avoid the piercing light of condemnation, we shine the light of Scripture in such a way that beckons people to discover God’s Truth for themselves.
6. Take questions seriously.
You may be the only person who ever has the chance to answer a difficult question for this individual. Respond as though the eternal destiny of the questioner hangs upon your answer. A faithful answer to a genuine question may be the very key which God uses to open a man or a woman’s heart and mind to the truth of the gospel. For that reason, 1 Peter 3:15 tells us, “Always be prepared to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience.”
7. Trust in God to do the saving.
Our responses matter, but only Jesus saves people. We all need to recall and rest in these familiar words from Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Love, prayerfulness, humility, and other Christlike traits matter infinitely more than knowing all the answers.
With all these tips in mind, we must remember that the Bible is not a compendium that answers unbelievers’ most-asked questions. God’s Word has a far greater purpose: to bear witness to God Himself. And that, alongside glorifying and enjoying Him, is our purpose as well. Countering objections to our faith is a good endeavor, but only as doing so points others to “the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).