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Ten Excuses

It isn't hard to find reasons to avoid reaching out to others with the good news of Jesus Christ. Here is how I respond to ten common objections.

  1. "I don't have any non-Christian friends." Jesus was a friend of sinners. We need to take risks to follow his example.
  2. "I don't have the gift of evangelism. It's not my thing." Jesus gave the Great Commission to the entire church. We all have a vital part to play by using approaches that fit our unique personalities.
  3. "I don't have time right now." Mix outreach with things you're already doing by inviting unchurched friends to join you. Think of the difference one lunch made in the life of Zacchaeus!
  4. "I'm afraid of what friends will think of me." That's a good sign you're sensitive enough to approach people in ways that won't unnecessarily offend them! If you interact respectfully, they'll likely be open.
  5. "I'll just live out my faith in front of my friends; they'll figure it out." That sounds appealing, but it's neither biblical nor effective. Paraphrasing Romans 10:14, they're not going to see it unless we also say it.
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