We’re halfway through Five to Thrive, a series about five spiritual habits that help us stay connected to Jesus and live as thriving disciples. So far, we’ve explored:
Week 1: Scripture Engagement—reading the Word and doing what it says
Week 2: Extraordinary Prayer—moving heaven by surrendering earth
This week, we’re tackling something that makes many of us squirm: sharing our faith.
😬 No Guilt Trips, Just Presence
Let’s be real. Most of us want the people in our lives to know Jesus. We want them to experience hope, peace, and purpose. But we’re afraid we’ll sound preachy, mess it up, or get rejected. So we stay quiet… and feel guilty.
But what if evangelism wasn’t about pressure? What if it was about presence?
Here’s the big idea:
Presence, not pressure, changes people.
Not programs. Not perfect words. Just showing up—consistently, kindly, faithfully.
🌱 Fruit Happens When We Stay Connected
Jesus said, “Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.”
He didn’t say, “Go make fruit happen.” He said, “Stay connected.”
Our job isn’t to manufacture results. It’s to stay rooted in Jesus and let Him work through our everyday relationships.
So how do we do that?
🙌 The BLESS Practices
Paul’s advice in Colossians 4:2–6 gives us a roadmap. It’s not about being weird or pushy. It’s about being present. Here are five simple practices to help you live on mission:
1. Begin with Prayer
Before you say a word, talk to God. Pray for one person by name—someone who doesn’t know Jesus. Pray for their heart, their needs, and for opportunities to connect. Prayer changes how we see people—and it changes us.
2. Listen with Care
Real conversations matter. Ask about their life. Their story. What’s going well. What’s hard. Then… just listen. Listening builds trust. It says, “You matter.”
3. Eat Together
Grab coffee. Share a meal. Invite them to your table. Jesus did this all the time. Meals break down barriers and deepen relationships. Presence often starts with a plate.
4. Serve in Love
As you listen and share life, you’ll find ways to help. Offer a ride. Help with a move. Watch their kids. Serve without strings. This isn’t bait-and-switch—it’s love in action.
5. Share Your Story
When the time is right, don’t give a speech. Share your story. Be honest. Be real. Talk about what Jesus has done in your life. Authenticity opens hearts more than arguments ever will.
💡 Your Challenge This Week
Pick one person. Pray for them daily. Have a real conversation. Share a meal. Serve them. And if the moment comes, share your story.
Evangelism doesn’t have to feel like a chore. When we focus on presence instead of pressure, it starts to feel like love.
Because thriving disciples bless people before they try to impress them.
