I was recently asked a question I never thought I’d be asked—nor is it a question I had really thought about before.
In the time we’ve lived here in Romania, I’ve befriended a pair of business owners from Syria—two brothers, [Robert] and [Nathan].
The brothers were raised within a wholesome Syrian family, with an orthodox Christian mother and a father who follows a local religion. They are around my age; they moved to Romania and opened their business two years ago—a successful bar, lounge and coffee shop combination.
Nearly every day, I spend my free time visiting their business and talking with them for hours. Sometimes we talk about business (y’all know I love talking business); sometimes we talk about cultural norms and expectations; usually we end up talking about Jesus—often for hours at a time. They ask lots of questions and crave knowledge about the Christian faith and the truths of the world.
Recently [Robert] asked me an unexpected question after I invited him to our upcoming church community event.
(Usually, most of the questions these brothers ask me are unexpected, inquisitive, and incredibly thought-provoking. I thank God for the Spirit in helping me answer these questions. I also feel comfortable—if I don’t have the answer—in saying I don’t know.)
However, on this particular day, the question asked—after I invited him to our upcoming church event—was one that had me almost speechless:
“So, why haven’t you invited me to come to your church before?”
I got to thinking…
Why hadn’t I asked him to come to church with me before?
Why did he want to know?
Am I so fearful to invite my closest friends to church because I’m afraid they will feel “pressured” and reject me?
Or is it that I’m trying to be considerate and form deeper relationships first?
I’m not sure what my answer is to all of this, but I am curious to see what the Father says as I sit with these questions more.
I never want to push the Gospel onto people.
But, I do wish to share the Gospel with all people because I wish for all people to be saved.
At what point in friendship does it become more difficult to share the Gospel and invite people into the space of accepting Jesus as Lord?
Why are we afraid to share Jesus with the people we love most? Why is this the most scary thing? Is it because of rejection?
The Bible says this:
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.“ -Acts 4:13
“Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be my disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple.” -Luke 14:26
“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” -Acts 4:29-30
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” -2 Corinthians 12:9
“Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.” -Luke 10:16
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” -John 4:18
I invite you to sit with these questions with me in prayer and Spirit.
Lord Jesus, may we know your Holy Spirit and voice so intimately that we undeniably love others well enough to share your Truth with them in Your perfect timing.
May we love others deeply enough to reject any fear of rejection as we step into Your perfect love.
