Tips for encouraging non-believers
Encouraging someone to believe in Christ involves a combination of personal testimony, prayer, and sharing the gospel message.
Being ready to share with others the reasons behind your faith in and love for Jesus is very important. In this broken world, there are many people who do not share the same faith and love as you, but more than a few of these tortured souls may one day be open to learning more about Jesus.
Encouraging someone to open their heart and mind to the message of Christ involves a combination of personal testimony, prayer, and sharing the gospel message.
Here are some steps you can take:
Pray: Begin by praying for the person you want to encourage. Ask God to open their heart and mind to the message of Christ. The prayer below may be helpful.
Share your own story: People are often more receptive to personal stories than they are to abstract concepts. Share how you came to believe in Christ and the impact it has had on your life.
Share the gospel: Explain the basic tenets of the Christian faith and the offer of eternal life through belief in Christ.
Be patient and respectful: Understand that everyone's journey to faith is different. Be patient and respectful of the person's beliefs and don't pressure them to make a decision before they're ready.
Encourage them to read the Bible: The Bible is the primary source of information about Jesus Christ. Encourage the person to read the Bible, particularly the Gospels, which contain the the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Invite them to church: If you attend church, invite them to attend with you. Being around other believers, whether in a church setting or not, can help the person feel more comfortable exploring their faith.
Be a good example: This may be the most important tip. Live your life in a way that reflects your faith in Christ. Your actions can speak louder than your words.
Ultimately it is up to the individual to decide whether or not to believe in Christ. Your role is simply to share the message and provide encouragement.
—Faith
Prayer of the Day
Dear Lord, I come before you today with a heart full of love and hope for [insert name], who has yet to experience the joy and peace that comes from knowing you personally. I pray that you would work in their life, drawing them closer to you and opening their eyes and heart to the truth of your love and salvation.
Lord, I ask that you would use me and other believers in [insert name]'s life to be a witness of your goodness and grace. Help us to live in a way that reflects your love and character, so that [insert name] would see the difference that you make in our lives. Give us opportunities to share our stories and the hope that we have in you, and help us to do so with gentleness and respect.
I pray that you would remove any barriers or obstacles that are preventing [insert name] from believing in you. Help them to overcome any doubts, fears, or misconceptions they may have about you and your love for them. Give them a hunger and thirst for truth, and lead them to the resources and people that can help them grow in their understanding of you.
Most of all, I pray that you would reveal yourself to [insert name] in a personal and powerful way. Help them to see their need for a Savior and to understand the sacrifice that you made for them on the cross. Draw them to yourself, and give them the courage to respond to your love and grace by placing their faith in you.