How To Introduce Jesus To Unbelievers

Getting acquainted with Jesus Christ can be a life-changing experience for many people. However, for those who are not believers, having Jesus introduced to them needs to be handled with care and wisdom.

If you’re looking for a quick answer, here’s the key: focus on building genuine relationships, live out your faith, and when opportunities arise, share Jesus’ message of hope, love, and salvation gently and respectfully.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover different approaches on how to naturally discuss Jesus with unbelieving friends, family members, coworkers, and others without being pushy or off-putting. We’ll explore building trusting relationships first, letting your changed life speak for itself, and then finding appropriate times to bring up spiritual discussions when there is openness and interest.

Build Genuine, Caring Relationships

Get to Know the Person

When looking to introduce Jesus to someone new, it’s important to first get to know them as an individual. Take time to learn about their interests, background, personal struggles, and worldview. Ask thoughtful questions and be an engaged listener, showing you genuinely care about them as a person.

Building rapport and trust is a gradual process, so be patient. As you understand their unique story and perspective, you’ll gain insight into how best to share biblical truths in a compelling way. Non-believers need compassionate friendships more than canned evangelism tactics.

Make your relationship the priority.

Earn Trust Over Time

Don’t expect to earn someone’s trust immediately. Demonstrate your own trustworthiness by keeping promises and having candid, thoughtful discussions. Be reliable and consistent, proving your good intent through your actions. Admit when you’re wrong and apologize for mistakes.

Discuss appropriate personal experiences to create vulnerability and openness. As your connection deepens, gently move toward spiritual matters when natural opportunities arise. Let the Holy Spirit guide your timing. Growing in trust enables more meaningful faith conversations.

But don’t force things before cultivating genuine mutual understanding and respect.

Show Compassion

Reflect Jesus’ heart of compassion as you develop caring relationships with non-believers. Be sensitive to their felt needs and attentive when they open up about difficulties. Offer practical help and words of encouragement when appropriate. Don’t judge their beliefs or choices.

Extend grace and speak truth gently. Ask how you can pray for them and follow through. As they experience undeserved love and kindness, barriers start coming down. Demonstrate true compassion, not just to build rapport but because you genuinely care.

Keep pointing people to the Ultimate Compassion-Giver, Jesus.

Live Out Your Faith

Practice Unconditional Love

Loving others unconditionally, regardless of background or belief, is central to following Jesus’ teachings (Matthew 5:43-48). Small acts of kindness, a listening ear, and non-judgment go a long way. Research shows that living out compassion significantly improves perceptions of Christians (https://www.barna.com/research/christians-relationships-with-others/).

When sharing your faith, lead with love not lecturing. As Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”

Model Jesus’ Character

Actions speak louder than words. Before explaining Jesus’ message, reflect His character in your own life. Traits like humility, integrity, grace, and self-sacrifice should shine through how you treat others day-to-day. Gandhi famously said, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians.

Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Let’s change that perception! Research shows that the #1 reason people are drawn to Christianity is the lifestyle witnessed in believers (https://thetablepodcast.org/podcast/how-people-change-glenn-packiam/).

Do Good Deeds Without Expectations

Lend a hand to those in need without expecting anything in return – not even a listening ear for the gospel. A recent study found that 63% of nonreligious Americans say acts of service would positively impact their view of Christianity (https://www.barna.com/research/sharing-faith/).

Volunteer at a homeless shelter, donate to charity, help an elderly neighbor with yardwork. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Find Natural Opportunities to Share the Gospel

Ask About Their Beliefs First

When looking to share the gospel with unbelievers, it’s important to first understand their existing beliefs and worldview. Ask open-ended questions about what they believe spiritually and listen intently. This builds trust and allows you to frame the gospel in a relatable way.

Don’t assume anything or pass judgement. Meet them where they are at.

Listen Without Judgement

As you ask questions, be sure to actively listen without interjecting your own thoughts. Don’t correct or argue, just pay full attention. This makes the other person feel valued rather than preached at. Nod, make eye contact and be fully present. Validate their perspective even if you disagree.

Share Your Story When Relevant

Look for opportunities to share your personal story and experience with Jesus when it naturally fits the conversation. Briefly explain how he has impacted your life in a positive way. This makes the gospel relational rather than abstract theology.

Just be sure to bring it back to them by asking if they can relate at all.

Offer to Discuss Jesus When Interest is Expressed

If the person becomes curious and wants to know more about your faith, offer to have an open discussion about Jesus. Make sure to first ask if they are genuinely interested in learning more before launching into preaching mode.

If they say yes, suggest reading a gospel passage together or watching a Jesus film to get the conversation started.

Suggest Checking Out a Church Service Together

As a low-pressure way for someone to be introduced to Jesus, suggest attending a church service with you. Pick one known for clear, relatable gospel preaching. Offer to meet up beforehand to grab coffee or lunch so they feel more comfortable.

Make sure they know there’s no obligation to convert or sign up for anything. Just extend the invite! 😊

Conclusion

Introducing friends and family members to Jesus provides the opportunity to open their hearts and minds to God’s love and salvation. However, it must be done with patience and wisdom. Focus first on developing genuine relationships and organically modeling Jesus’ compassion in your daily life.

When spiritual interest is expressed or opportunities naturally arise, you can share your story, what Jesus means to you, and the hope that you have found. Avoid being preachy or pushy. Instead, speak truth gently, respectfully listen, and lovingly sow seeds about the joy, meaning, freedom, and eternal life that comes with following Christ.