“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:35

We rounded the corner of the road that led to our church. As it came into view, I let our 5-year old granddaughter know we were almost there. “Does your church talk about God?” What an odd question for her to ask. “Yes,” I replied. Of course it does! Then she added, “We can’t talk about God at my school. We can only talk about God at church and at home.”  

Hearing those words pierced my heart. I wanted to cry. I wanted to scream, “That’s so wrong, it’s not fair!” The world had already made an ugly imprint on my granddaughter’s impressionable soul. How can we, as lovers of Jesus, share the good news with the world if we’re not allowed to talk about Him?

It is written: “’As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” (Romans 14:11) Someday all will confess Jesus as Lord. Until that time comes how shall we live?

As I’ve grappled with a heavy heart over this, I’m convinced  that we as Christ-followers have other ways to share the gospel of Jesus.

First, we can be known by our genuine love for others. All people will know that we trust Jesus by the way we demonstrate our sacrificial love to each other through our actions and words.

Second, we as believers in Jesus, have Jesus residing in us, and He is the Light of the World (John 8:12). Others observe Jesus radiating through us (Matthew 5:14).

And we will be known by the fruit we bear. Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit (Matthew 7:17). Since the Holy Spirit indwells every genuine believer, love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) will be evident to all.

Lord, even when we’re not allowed to speak of You, may it be clear to all people that we belong to You.

Karen Sims