You Are the Good News

“As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed” (Mark 5:18-20, NIV).

Beloved, yesterday we saw that evangelism is not a burdensome duty, but a beautiful outflow of the Lord's compassion in us. Now, you may be thinking, “I believe that, but what do I actually say? What if someone asks me a difficult theological question I can’t answer? What if I get pulled into a debate about religion or politics?”

My friend, rest easy. Look at our Scripture today. Here was a man who had a radical encounter with Jesus. He went from being a demon-possessed and tormented outcast living among tombs to being completely sane and whole. And when this man wanted to follow Jesus, what was the Lord’s instruction? Did Jesus say, “Go and prepare a three-point sermon on soteriology”? Did He say, “Go and be ready to debate the Pharisees on the law”?

No, His instruction was beautifully simple: “Go home to your friends and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.”

Do you see it? Your greatest evangelism tool is not your debating skill; it is your story. Notice, Jesus didn't just tell him to share information about God. He told him to share his experience with God. No one can argue with your personal testimony! They can debate doctrine, but they cannot debate the reality of a changed life. They can't argue with the peace you now have, the addiction He broke, the healing He provided, or the grace He showed you when you least deserved it.

The Bible says in Acts 1:8 that you shall be My witnesses. It doesn't say you shall do witnessing. There's a world of difference, beloved. “Doing” is a task that can feel like a performance. But “being” is your identity. A light bulb doesn’t do shining; it shines because it is a light. You are a witness to the goodness of God because His life is now in you! Your role is simply to tell your story—to tell others about the wonderful Person of Jesus and the great things He has done for you. Witness here becomes “with-ness” — it is about bringing Christ to them. You are with Christ, when we share the Good News.

Practically, sometimes it’s better to avoid debate when a person is not ready. Discern when and how the Holy Spirit guides you. You are simply a witness telling the world what you have personally seen and experienced of the Lord's goodness. You are the evidence. Your life is the Good News that someone out there is desperate to hear, and as St. Francis of Assisi said: “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.”

One last practical tip that may be useful for you, if you have the chance to share the Gospel with someone, there is one powerful closing question. You can ask this:

“Is there anything stopping you from receiving Christ in your life now?”

If the person is ready, he/she will say, “Nothing...” Then you can lead him/her to say a salvation prayer. Even if the person is not ready, then at least he/she will usually tell you the reason and you will be able to know why.

Thought for the Day

I am not called to win arguments; I am called to be His witness with Him. My personal story of God's goodness is my most powerful message.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the story You have written in my life. Give me the boldness to simply share what great things You have done for me and how You have had compassion on me. Help me to see that my testimony is a powerful witness of Your amazing grace. May my life itself point others to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.