Do you want to express your faith in an authentic and organic way but aren’t sure how? When we share our story of what Christ has done in our hearts and lives we have the opportunity to introduce others to Jesus. Sometimes, though, it’s hard to know what to say or where to start.
Here are 10 simple ways to integrate your faith into your everyday life so it becomes a natural expression of who you are.
1. Listen with an open mind
Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.
Proverbs 18:15
Listening is an incredible way to show people you care about them. Rather than waiting for the other person to stop talking so you can insert your opinion or statement, practice taking in what they’re saying and allow yourself to hear it and respond by being curious and asking questions. Even if you never get to say what you want to, the time you spend listening to another will make a powerful impression and make them feel heard. It’s a rare gift in today’s self-centred society.
2. Be slow to speak
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
James 1:19
Having open discussions is easy when you speak with likeminded people, but what about when you’re talking to someone with a different worldview or opinion? When looking for ways to express your faith with love, try not to react when you hear something you don’t agree with or doesn’t align with your values. Instead, bite your tongue and go back to the first point—listen with an open mind. Remember, your goal isn’t to win an argument but to share the hope you’ve found in Christ with others.
3. Give generously
Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!
Proverbs 21:26
Our natural instinct is to hold tight but the Bible tells us time and time again to give generously. Whether it’s money, time, a listening ear, a meal or something else, becoming a generous person both blesses you and those around you. It may seem counter-intuitive but when we practice giving without expectation of receiving anything in return we embody the life-changing Gospel and people will notice.
4. Pray about it
So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Colossians 1:9
If you’re looking for ways to express your faith why not pray about it? And don’t stop there. Pray for those who God lays on your heart and ask Him to help you spot opportunities to share with them. When we approach evangelism in a prayerful way we become sensitive to the Spirit’s leading and wait for the right time to have a conversation.
5. Be a peacemaker
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
Matthew 5:9
Rather than jamming our opinions down people’s throats or arguing our points of view on social media, what if we looked for ways to make peace instead? Our world is filled with conflict and fighting. What better way to stand out and make a statement for Christ than by being known for our love? When you find yourself in a disagreement take a mental step back and think of the big picture. What can you do to create peace in the situation? What can you do to show love towards someone you disagree with?
6. Avoid negativity
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
Philippians 2:14-15
Practicing gratitude isn’t just a modern phenomenon, it’s biblical. If you spend your time complaining about your problems or arguing with others it repels people and they won’t want to spend time with you. If you want to express your faith it’s a lot easier when people want to be around you. Find ways to be a light wherever you go. Try and see the silver lining in situations without being sarcastic and live a life of genuine thankfulness. It will make a positive impression on others and they’ll wonder how they can find that inner joy too.
7. Give people room to mess up
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Colossians 3:13
No matter what you’ll encounter difficult people and situations in your daily life. People will make mistakes and disappoint you. While you can’t control how other people act you can control your response. Aim to be a person who forgives quickly and does not become easily offended. By living out your faith in this way you’re demonstrating the difference Christ has made in your life without saying a word.
8. Keep your word
Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our
Ephesians 4:23-25neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.
If you say you’ll do something, do it. The simple act of following up and keeping your promises makes a strong statement and sends a message that you’re a person of character. Because you keep your word people will also know when you say something, you mean it. They’ll take your words to heart, knowing you can be trusted. One of the easiest ways to express your faith is by keeping your word.
9. Share your faith in love
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
Ephesians 4:15
When you have an opportunity to share your faith don’t hold back. However, be mindful of others’ sensitivities and speak with grace-coated words. No one has ever been bullied into the Kingdom so even though you feel passionate about saving souls, keep in mind the intensity can sometimes be intimidating. Be genuine yet gentle and above all patient. It can take time for the seeds of truth to take root and sprout in people’s lives.
10. Trust God to work
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
1 Corinthians 13:7
When we don’t see instant transformation it can be discouraging. In these times it’s important to take our worries to God in prayer and trust Him to do a good work in His time. We may never see the results from sharing our faith with others but we can hold on to God’s promise in Isaiah 55:11, “It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.”
Sharing your faith as a natural expression in your everyday life can be tricky at first but the more you integrate these 10 tips into your interactions the more you’ll see it become second nature. And if you thought this article was helpful please share the love on social media! Add some positivity to the online space and be a part of the kindness revolution.