True or False: Evangelism cannot happen while we are quarantined, away from church, under stay at home orders with strong suggestions of 6 feet of separation.
The answer is false.
The Great Commission made the first step clear, Go (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19). There was no indication that the conditions would be ideal or easy or in our favor. We must continue to be the love of God, in all conditions. As I read 1 Thessalonians 5:11-24, I found that this season is the opportunity to Go. Here are some questions and answers to examine how we can evangelize in such times.
How do we Go in a challenging season? Verse 11 reminds us to encourage and comfort. Be concerned for others. Encourage those whose “faith pace” have slowed. Comfort those who are having a hard time coping. Those who are distraught and finding life miserable. This is not the time for judgement or pointing out rights and wrongs, but a time to be activated to show God’s love for God’s people. We Go by showing encouragement and comfort.
There are so many emotions. Where do I start to encourage and comfort? Try this. Read verse 14. In the current conditions, we are all in different phases. Some are angry, others are discouraged, others losing faith. Take a moment to see the need and meet that need. If you find someone who is angry, remind them that this will pass. For those who are discouraged, comfort them. Text them scriptures and songs to lift them up. Some may become spiritually weak. Don’t leave them isolated and feeling that they are in this alone. Recognize the emotions and spread hope.
This is not easy but I am willing to try. Where do I start? Verses 16-22 lists 7 things we can do everyday that will keep us prepared for and while we are evangelizing. Rejoice, pray, be thankful, be responsive to the Holy Spirit (do not quench the Spirit), believe God’s Word (do not reject gifts of prophecy), remember God’s goodness, and stay away from evil.
This season does not affect me. Why should I be concerned? This season can either activate us to encourage and comfort or cause us to behave in manners that do not align with God’s Word. Verses 23-24 reminds us that Christ is returning. We should be able to say we did what was requested although the conditions were not ideal or easy or in our favor. We want to be blameless for when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. We want to say in all conditions, we were the love of God and we stayed faithful to the Great Commission.
I know you will find 1 Thessalonians 5:11-24 encouraging. Read it and allow the Holy Spirit to minister and encourage you through these times.