And How We Should React.

Sharing the Gospel does not always produce fruit right away.

There’s that infrequent experience where a receptive heart welcomes Christ immediately. However most often, I have found that people often respond in one of three ways: (1) They’re sceptical, (2) they’re angry or (3) they apathetically agree.

Skepticism

The sceptic typically wants to debate, usually with scientific evidence or philosophical theory. And we should walk down these roads, because I believe Christianity holds a lot of valid explanation.

That being said, speaking specifically of what Jesus did on the cross, though there’s evidence of what took place, and we might be able to explain it philosophically.

The Cross can’t be explained scientifically.

Nevertheless, a willingness to debate means the Gospel can be shared. After the debate, thoughts may change and a heart can soften.

Anger

It can be a frightening thing when anger comes to the surface during the sharing of the Gospel. Pause and search for the why!

Too often, as you listen to the person’s story, they have been tragically hurt by the church or someone who represents Christ in some way. But don’t lose hope. Anger can be very positive. It shows they care.

The Gospel means something and it weighs on their mind.

Apathy

Then there’s the apathetic. To me, this is the most tragic response. Typically, they agree with everything you tell them, responding with statements like,

“I agree; we all need spirituality in our lives.“

Or perhaps,

“I agree; there is a higher power over all of us.“

In your mind, you say to yourself,

“This person has no idea what I’m saying!“

The apathetic is in a state of I’m okay, you’re okay. I believe this is what Jesus meant in Matthew 13, “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” (13:13)

No matter how many apologetics arguments we use, no matter how many verses we quote, there is a complete blockage to understanding.

The Enemy’s Deception

I believe Satan wants to trick us into thinking that the sceptic debater, the angry victim or even the apathetic wanderer are lost causes. But we need to battle that lie. Our Gospel conversations should be equally layered amongst all people, even if it’s worded differently.

1. The sceptics will require us to know our Scripture well! We’ll also have to study some apologetics to fit rational argument into the discussion. Throughout the debates, pray for the Holy Spirit to move.
2. The angry, and often hurt, will require us to listen more than speak. Often, many of them already believe, but they need soft responses to allow their defences to be pulled back.
3. The apathetic will be the easiest to speak to, but the hardest to find authentic fruit. Keep the conversation flowing, peppered with fervent prayer, letting the Spirit move.

Join the Conversation, Share Your Thoughts:

What responses have you received after sharing the Gospel? How did you respond in return? What steps did you take in follow-up conversations?