Throughout this week, it will be profitable to consider that we should talk to our friends and neighbors about the Lord. Let’s make this a week of reflection and meditation on the role we should play in spreading the gospel in our own community. Truly, there is no more important part of the Lord’s work than the work of evangelism.
In 2 Tim. 2:2, Paul told Timothy, “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” God has designed the scheme of redemption in such a way that salvation from sin is communicated by a message of salvation — words which must be obeyed in order for people to receive salvation. The truth which makes men free from sin (John 8:32) was communicated by God’s Spirit to the men chosen by Jesus as His apostles. These apostles, in turn, deposited this truth in written form in the Scriptures which make up our New Testament. The only way anyone can come into possession of this truth today is by reading or hearing this message (Eph. 3:4; 1 Thess. 2:13).
Those whom we come in contact with each day need to hear the gospel, and they may not know anyone else who will share it with them. Certainly, we have an obligation to talk with others about the Lord, but it is far more than a mere duty — it is a privilege. Having been graciously forgiven of our sins, we should be motivated by gratitude to spend the rest of our lives sharing the good news so that our friends can be forgiven too. It is an honor to be a part of this great work!
Paul said, “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Rom. 10:13, 14). It is both important and urgent that we speak the saving word of truth to those around us. Our conscience should move us to do so. If it matters to us whether our friends and neighbors go to heaven, how can we not speak to them about the Lord? May we think on these things this week. And may we be able to say, with Paul, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16).