The Holy Spirit: God Through Usنموونە

It’s normal to feel nervous or afraid to share your faith. Maybe you worry about looking weird or awkward. You might feel unqualified, afraid people will think you’re a hypocrite if they know your past mistakes, or like it’s not your place to tell anyone else what to believe. You’re not alone in those fears, but those fears don’t come from God. They can all be overcome with a boldness that can only be given by the Holy Spirit. Boldness doesn’t necessarily mean the fear disappears. It means you have a “confident hope” that helps you share your faith, in spite of them (Romans 15:13, NLT).

Paul even tells his friend Timothy that he could suffer for sharing the gospel. But he reminds Timothy, “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7, NLT). God never promises it will always go smoothly, but his word reminds you that the Holy Spirit is with you.

He gives you boldness to share his good news and a community of believers who love and support you as you do. That might look like practicing with a fellow believer, taking turns explaining the gospel until you feel more confident. You could each commit to tell one person about Jesus this week and check in with each other when you have. It might mean praying for each other during the week or even going together to share the gospel.

Through the Holy Spirit, you don’t have to do it alone. You don’t have to share your faith perfectly. And you don’t have to be perfect to share your faith. Start with trusting the Holy Spirit to fill you with boldness, lean on the community of faith he has given you, and choose to show up, ready to share the good news. Keep in mind that the same Holy Spirit that is empowering you to share your faith might be preparing the hearts of those who are going to receive it.

Reflection and Prayer

Think about a step you can take to begin sharing your faith with others. Who in your church or small group can support you in that first step? How do you think the Holy Spirit will help you?

God, help me trust your Spirit when I feel afraid. Fill me with boldness and surround me with people who encourage me. Use us together to share your love with others. Amen.