Learn From Him

How can we represent Christ in a way that’s inviting instead of pushing folks away?

Many people look for reasons not to become Christians, and ultimately, that is their choice. No amount of persuasion can force someone to believe. Many dislike it when Christians seem pushy or argumentative.

Bathing potential witnessing encounters in prayer will move God to begin speaking to their hearts. James 5:16 “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Prayer moves the hand of God.

They often do not want to debate religion with someone who refuses to hear their side. Some would rather avoid Christians altogether. Because this reaction is so common, we must ask: How should believers respond to opportunities to share Christ?

One answer is to let our lives speak first. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works” (Matthew 5:16). Another answer is to respect people’s boundaries and recognize when someone is open and when they are not.

Instead of pushing through resistance, we can decide to be patient and wait for God to open the right doors. Scripture instructs, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6).

These responses align with how God actually works in salvation. Christian theology teaches that we cannot force anyone to accept Jesus.

My wife led both of my parents to the Lord but I prayed for over fifty years for my parents to come to Christ. Yet the decision was theirs alone. The Bible reminds us, “For by grace are ye saved through faith… not of works” (Ephesians 2:8–9). Since salvation is God’s work, our role is to lead, not shove. We share the message, but God opens the heart.

Paul’s testimony in Acts shows this truth vividly. When Paul addressed the Jewish crowd in Acts 22, he wisely spoke in the Hebrew tongue to lower their defenses (Acts 21:40). He met them where they were, speaking their language—a sign of respect and cultural sensitivity.

Yet even after giving his personal conversion story with humility and honesty, “they lifted up their voices” in anger (Acts 22:22). Paul proves that even when Christians communicate respectfully, people may still reject the message.

The most important thing is to actually have them read or hear God’s actual Words from the Bible. Use Bible verses when you share Christ. When they see or hear a Bible verse, God speaks to them directly because the Bible is the mind of God.

Being transparent, Paul also admitted his own past failures. He confessed, “I persecuted [Christians] this way unto the death” (Acts 22:4). This humility strengthened his testimony, yet still did not guarantee acceptance. His experience illustrates that we can share our faith sincerely, humbly, and vulnerably—and still encounter rejection.

In Acts 26, Paul stood before Festus and King Agrippa. Jesus had commanded him, “Thou shalt be his witness unto all men” (Acts 22:15), but being called by God did not exempt him from being misunderstood. As Paul testified with conviction about what Jesus did in his life, Festus interrupted, shouting, “Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad [insane]” (Acts 26:24).

Paul responded with calm respect: “I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness” (Acts 26:25). His gentle reply models the very approach this essay encourages—firm truth with a humble tone. Even King Agrippa felt the pull of Paul’s testimony, saying, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28).

Paul did everything right—he spoke respectfully, honestly, and boldly—yet Agrippa still remained unconvinced. Paul did not force him, pressure him, or manipulate him. Instead, he expressed a loving desire for their salvation: “I would to God, that… all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds” (Acts 26:29).

Paul’s story reinforces Spirit-filled evangelism: We remain sensitive to the Spirit’s guidance. We do not save people—we only witness of the ONLY ONE WHO CAN SAVE, —Jesus. We do not coerce—we serve. We do not force outcomes—we trust God.

Even Jesus Himself was accused of being “beside Himself” (Mark 3:21). People thought He was out of His mind because He lived according to a different kingdom. As Children of God, we too live for a reality the world does not yet see. That is why believers are often misunderstood.

One day, when God’s Word is fulfilled, people will recognize the truth—but believers will already be with the Lord. In the end, our calling is not to win arguments but to win hearts by reflecting Christ. Some will misunderstand us or resist the message, just as they did with Paul and with Jesus. But the results are not up to us, but to God. God has not asked us to force results—He has asked us to be faithful.

When we share the Gospel with humility, patience, and genuine love, we participate in the Holy Spirit’s work of evangelism in ways we may never fully see on this side of eternity. Whether people accept or reject the message, our responsibility remains the same: to shine the light of Christ and trust God with the outcome.

Therefore, let us step up with courage. Let us speak up when God opens the door and stay gentle when the door is closed.

Let us live in such a way that people see Christ in us before they ever hear His name from our lips. As Scripture says, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). That is your calling. That is your mission.

Go live your faith boldly, love people deeply, and let God handle the results. Be the light in someone’s darkness. Trust the timing of the One who opens hearts. And like Paul, pray that those who hear you—whether kings, friends, or strangers—might one day move from “almost persuaded” to fully committed to Christ.

Go shine, share and serve in love. Your faithfulness may be the very seed God uses to change a life forever.