The Joy and Benefits of Spreading the Message of Jesus
How Evangelism Revitalizes Every Area of Your Spiritual Life.
Decorating Christmas trees used to be more challenging than it is today. If one bulb in a string of lights failed, the entire strand would go out, requiring you to test each bulb to find the culprit. The Christian life is similar neglecting one key area can dim the vibrancy of your faith. For many, that “burned-out bulb” is a lack of evangelism.
Evangelism, often overlooked as a spiritual discipline, holds the power to ignite spiritual growth in ways you might not expect. While practices like prayer, Bible reading, and worship are staples of a Christian’s life, evangelism can enhance and deepen these disciplines. In fact, the practice of sharing Jesus brings about numerous “collateral blessings” that enrich your walk with Christ.
Why Evangelism Matters
Evangelism isn’t just for pastors or the exceptionally gifted; it’s a calling for all believers (Matthew 28:19). When you neglect it, your spiritual life can stagnate. James warns against being “merely hearers of the word and not doers” (James 1:22). Without sharing the gospel, you risk turning your faith into a stagnant swamp rather than a flowing river of blessing.
Practicing evangelism isn’t just obedience it’s transformative. Here are nine unexpected blessings that come when you make evangelism a regular part of your life.
Intensified Prayer Life
Sharing Jesus reminds you of your dependence on God. Only the Holy Spirit can change hearts, so you’ll find yourself praying fervently for His guidance. Whether it’s seeking the right words to say or interceding for someone’s salvation, evangelism deepens your prayer life and sharpens your awareness of spiritual warfare.
Hunger for Scripture
Evangelism drives you back to God’s Word. A few go-to verses like John 3:16 or Romans 6:23 are powerful, but you’ll want to expand your knowledge to address different questions and objections. Sharing the gospel ignites a desire to be well-equipped with the truth of Scripture.
Holy Living
Knowing that your witness matters, you’ll strive for greater holiness. Sin can hinder your effectiveness, so evangelism motivates you to pursue righteousness and avoid anything that might tarnish your testimony.
Deeper Theology
Evangelism makes theology practical. When confronted with challenging questions or objections, your understanding of God’s nature and character takes on new relevance. Sharing Jesus compels you to study and articulate sound doctrine, transforming you into a “frontline theologian.”
Engaged Apologetics
Sharing the gospel often requires you to address differing worldviews and objections. While you don’t need to be an expert in every belief system, understanding other perspectives shows love and respect. Tailoring your message to your audience (1 Corinthians 9:19–23) enhances your ability to communicate the truth effectively.
More Joy
There’s no greater joy than being used by God to lead someone to Jesus. While salvation is God’s work, evangelists have the privilege of participating in this miracle. Those who step out of their comfort zones to share the gospel experience an unparalleled sense of fulfillment.
Love for the Lost
Evangelism cultivates compassion for those far from God. As you interact with people and hear their stories, your heart grows burdened for their salvation. It’s one of the most tangible ways to fulfill Jesus’s command to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39).
Heavenly Hope
The gospel is a message of hope, and sharing it reminds you of your own salvation. As you proclaim the good news, you’re simultaneously renewing your own understanding of God’s love and the promise of eternal life. This hope fuels your faith and keeps your eyes fixed on heaven.
God’s Glory
Evangelism glorifies God. As J.I. Packer writes, “We glorify God by evangelizing, not only because evangelizing is an act of obedience, but also because in evangelism we tell the world what great things God has done for the salvation of sinners.” When we share the gospel, we declare His mighty works, bringing Him honor and praise.
Learn, Love, and Labor
Discipleship requires the whole person mind, heart, and hands. Evangelism uniquely engages all three, encouraging you to grow in knowledge, compassion, and obedience. While it’s not the only spiritual discipline, it’s one that multiplies blessings across all areas of your faith.
If you’ve been longing for spiritual renewal, consider whether the missing piece might be evangelism. Incorporate it into your life, and watch as God uses your obedience to bless you and others in ways you never expected.
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