Ready to Respond

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss being ready to respond when sharing the gospel with others. Oftentimes, we encounter various obstacles or questions that can hinder someone from accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior. We will explore 10 common obstacles and how to address them using scripture and a compassionate approach.

Obstacle 1: "I'm Not Ready"

When someone says they are not ready to trust in Jesus, it is important to ask why. This allows them to verbalize their concerns or hesitations. You can remind them that now is the accepted time to trust in Jesus and that none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. Share Scriptures like 2 Corinthians 6:2, which emphasizes the urgency of salvation, and Proverbs 27:1, which reminds us that we do not know what tomorrow holds.

Obstacle 2: "I'm Concerned About What My Friends Will Think"

When someone is worried about the opinions of their friends, it is helpful to point out that true friends will support their decisions, even if they don't understand or agree. You can also ask if they would rather have one true friend who accepts their decision or many false friends who only like them for their conformity. Provide Scriptures like Matthew 10:37-38, where Jesus reminds us that following Him may result in earthly division, but the eternal reward far outweighs earthly relationships.

Obstacle 3: "I'm Concerned About What My Family Will Think"

Similar to the previous obstacle, when someone is worried about their family's response, it is essential to emphasize that following Jesus is ultimately a personal decision. Ask them to consider if their family's potential disapproval is worth missing out on an eternal relationship with God. Share Scriptures like Luke 14:26, where Jesus challenges His followers to love Him more than their own family, and Hebrews 13:5, which assures us that God will never leave or forsake us.

Obstacle 4: "I've Done Too Many Bad Things" or "I'm Not Good Enough"

When someone feels like their past sins or inadequacies disqualify them from receiving God's forgiveness, it is crucial to emphasize God's grace and mercy. Share Romans 3:23, which reminds us that all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, and Ephesians 2:8-9, which assures us that salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn. Explain that Jesus died for all of our sins, and His sacrifice is powerful enough to forgive even the worst of sins.