There Is a Good God

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36, NIV).

Beloved, has the thought of "evangelism" ever felt like a heavy burden to you? Perhaps you’ve been told it’s your duty, a key performance indicator of your faith, and you’ve felt the pressure to have the right words, the perfect script, and the courage to approach strangers.

My friend, I want to release you from that pressure today. Evangelism in the new covenant isn't about a program you must run, but about a Person who lives in you. Our motivation for reaching out to others flows from the very heart of our Lord Jesus.

Look at our Scripture for today. What moved Jesus to reach the multitudes? The Bible says He was moved with compassion. He saw people who were tired, confused, and hurting, and His heart went out to them.

That same compassionate Savior now lives in you! And because He is in you, His compassion is in you. His love for the lost is in you. So, the next time you feel that little nudge to talk to a colleague who looks downcast, or a neighbor who seems overwhelmed, know that it isn't you trying to work up some religious fervor. It is the heart of the Good Shepherd beating in your chest, wanting to reach one of His precious sheep.

This changes everything. It means you don’t have to lead with a formula. You can lead with love.

Before you even think about what to say, I want to encourage you to do something powerful: just listen. As you are in a conversation with someone, you can pray a simple, silent prayer: “Holy Spirit, what’s really going on in their heart? Show me what You see.”

You don't need to jump in with a sermon. Just slow down. Give them your full attention and let the peace of Jesus in you create a safe space for them. As you listen with His love, the Holy Spirit, your divine Helper, will begin to highlight things. You might notice the worried eyes behind a forced smile, or a hint of a deep-seated fear in their voice. You might sense an unspoken burden they are carrying all alone.

These are not just emotional cues, beloved. These are divine invitations. These are open doors for the Lord to minister His grace through you. It may be through a simple word of encouragement, "It sounds like you're carrying a lot right now." It may be a gentle offer, "Can I pray for you about that?" Or it may be a simple testimony, "I know how that feels. Let me tell you how Jesus brought peace to my heart in a similar situation."

My pastor shared that once, there was a first-time nonbeliever visitor who came to church invited by someone. At the end of the service, he chatted with her. As he was extending the invitation to receive Christ in her life and asked if she was willing – her response was totally unrelated. She responded with, “I have a dementia parent”. Thereafter, those stories of struggles and burdens came out of her. My pastor listened attentively, affirmed her, offered her prayer and then he invited her to receive Christ in her life.

See? It’s not a stressful presentation. It’s a beautiful, Spirit-led dance of grace. You are simply revealing the loving heart of a Father who already loves them as much as He loves you. Rest in His ability and watch as His compassion flowing through you draws people to Himself.

When I was young, I stood on a busy street and watched as people walked by, looking tired and burdened. Seeing their weary faces made me feel both helpless and overwhelmed. I wondered, “God, what do You want me to do? Am I supposed to tell them to go to church and make them carry even more burdens than they already do? Am I just adding to them an additional to do list of religious duties?” (During that time, I did not understood God’s grace well, and I felt Christianity was like a burdensome religious duty).

In that moment of questioning, I sensed God impressing tenderly on my heart, “No, son. Tell them about Me, so they can know there is a good God present in their lives.”

Thought for the Day

Evangelism is not a duty I perform, but the love of Jesus flowing naturally from me, to tell the people that there is a good God who cares for them.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You that Your heart for people is now my new heart. Fill me with Your compassion for those around me – so they’ll know that there is indeed a good God in their lives. Help me to see them with Your eyes and listen with Your ears. I trust the Holy Spirit in me to lead me, guide my words, and reveal Your goodness and grace in every conversation. In Jesus’ name, amen.