Recently the weather has been very stormy and wet. We have had some beautiful days with blue skies only to be followed by several days of clouds and rain. Flash flood warnings have become almost expected in the little blue banner across the television. Weathermen remind us to take our umbrellas where we go and then show us the week's predictions with lots of little sunshines in the boxes.

Is that not a great picture of what life is like? Some days partly cloudy, some days partly sunny, days full of storms, and days that seem so wet we are likely to drown. But no matter what the weather outside, we can have eternal “Sonshine.”

Would you like to give a friend a priceless gift that would last forever? You can do that by introducing him or her to that “Sonshine.” His name is Jesus; He can change a life and guarantee eternal life in heaven.

We all have friends and acquaintances who don't know Jesus. We live beside them, work beside them, even go to church with them. Often we just don't know how to bring the subject up. It may feel awkward or too personal. But it doesn't have to be that way.

Here are a few tips for sharing the Gospel with others.

1. Build a relationship first. Get to know your friend and let them get to know you. They will see your heart and know the sincerity of your witness.
2. Be yourself. Don't try to use churchy words or spiritual expressions. Talk to your friend conversationally. Tell him or her what your life was like before you became a Christian and how Jesus has made a difference in your life.
3. Don't be judgmental. Sometimes those we share Christ with have very different backgrounds. If you are hearing new stories from your friend, pray for guidance as to how to respond. Remember, sin is sin and you are simply one sinner sharing the Savior with another.
4. Don't take any response personally. You are the messenger and the Holy Spirit will take the message and give your friend understanding.
5. Be willing to answer questions but don't be afraid to say you don't know the answer. Search for answers you don't know and get back to your friend.
6. Realize that it is not over just because you have shared your testimony. Continue to pray for your friend and ask God to give him or her understanding of what you have shared. Also, ask God to show you ways you can make your story clearer next time He gives you a chance to share it.

Would you like some help telling your friend about Jesus? We can send them a special note and introduction to the eternal life that God has prepared for them.

Listen to those around you this week. Do you hear someone who is asking for the message of God's love in his or her life? Let God direct you to tell him or her all about it. God wants all of us to go to heaven. Are you listening for someone who wants to know how to have eternal life? What a wonderful thing to hear!

Share these simple steps to salvation with a friend who is seeking today.

1. Acknowledge that you know sin has caused you to be separated from God. Romans 3:23 says “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
2. Accept that God made a way to bridge that separation. Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave; he paid the penalty for your sins. I Peter 2:24 tells us of Jesus, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree (cross) so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness…”
3. Receive Jesus Christ into your heart and life. Ask Jesus to come into your life. Tell Him that you want to live for Him. The Bible says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God, even to those who believe on His name.” John 1:12

God rejoices for each new child that comes into His family. He wants all of us to be His. Just ask Him to come into your life. You might say something like this.

Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. I need Your forgiveness. I believe that You gave Your Son, Jesus, to die for my sins. I want to change my life. I want to turn from my sins. Please come into my heart and life. I want to be part of your family and be with you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

If your friend prayed that prayer, we'd love to hear from you. Better yet, we'd love to hear from your friend and help him or her find the way to grow in Christ. Give us a call at 1-866-899-WORD (9673) or send a message to info@theencouragingword.org. See you in Heaven!