As a Christ-follower we are called to be there for others…for someone who are drifting, one who feels lost and alone, someone whose hope is gone. How they see you will determine whether they are comfortable approaching you or not. Your life should shine (Mt 5:16) so that others see Christ in you.

When you are asked about your faith, it is important to be ready and prepared to give a response that will be meaningful and relatable. Telling your own story is the best way to share your faith, but your story needs to be clear and easy to understand for an unbeliever. If you aren’t prepared you will likely miss the opportunity or just come undone and give an answer that doesn’t make much sense.

You don’t need to memorize your story, but you need to learn to tell your story by knowing the main points you want to share and be prepared to share it a way that reveals who you are and what God has done in your life.

Remember in preparing your story, less is more! You should be able to share your story in 3 to 4 minutes. It’s always better to leave someone wanting more, rather than wanting a way out. If they are interested, they will ask questions and open up the conversation. Next, pay attention to their body language. If they are uncomfortable, skittish, glazing over, or bored, you’re missing the target. Be sure that your story is coherent and focused; it should not leave the person confused. Also, avoid the Twilight Zone. Don’t relate stories that may sound a bit crazy to an unbeliever. Miraculous experiences happen all the time, and we love to share these stories, but perhaps not in this setting. And don’t use high and lofty “Christian” words that regular folks won’t understand. Saying, “I’ve been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb” is true, but not a clear statement to someone who isn’t churched. Keep your language simple. Finally, don’t act preachy and superior. Judgement and preaching will turn a person off to the message you are trying to convey. You don’t have it all together, so don’t act lofty and arrogant.

Simply prepare your story by relating who you were before Jesus and who you are now since you have a relationship with Jesus. Explain how your life and outlook have changed. It doesn’t have to be dramatic; it just needs to reveal you and the truth that you’ve found in Christ. Consider a key concept that fits your story and would speak to someone outside the faith. “I was like this before JC, but since I accepted him as my Lord and Savior, this is who I am….” Write it out. Work through it and pare it down. Don’t memorize it line for line but know it and be able to share from your heart. Your story can have an enormous impact on others. It’s worth telling; it’s worth getting right; it’s worthy of prayer. 

Scriptures:  Matthew 5:16 (NIV); 1 Peter 3:15-16 (GNT); Colossians 4:5-6 (CEV); 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

Verses: But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect. (1 Pt 3:15-16) 

Questions: Do your words, actions and demeanor (your vibe) make you approachable and open to a person who is struggling? Why or why not? Do people easily come to you with their struggles and questions? Do you feel equipped to share God’s love and truth with someone who asks? Do you share your faith story? Do you have a story that expresses how your life has changed because of your relationship with Jesus? If so, is it clear, concise, and easy to understand? 

Prayer: Dear God, please give me the opportunity to share my story. Guide me so that I may be a light to those around me, approachable, ready and prepared to share with them what you have done in my life. Thank you for your saving grace that rescued me! In Jesus Name I pray, amen.