Ever wanted to share your faith but concerned that you might be overbearing, and too pushy, and end up turning people away instead of welcoming them, the total opposite of what you intended? Are you a believer who love God but are afraid and timid when it comes to sharing your faith with others? You often think, "Nah, they aren't interested; what can I say to these people, boys and girls or men women, to let them know they need God, when some are rich and have everything money can buy?"

Well, if that's you, or maybe you are new to the faith and would like to tell others about how and what God has done in your life, but are concerned about what others (close friends, family, spouse, companion or even strangers) will say? Here are some simple steps to help you get over the hump of doubt and boost your confidence in sharing your faith without being self-righteous, overbearing, forceful and obtuse.

First things first; you must make it clear that you have not yet arrived to where God wants you to be. You are not "holier than thou" but are a work in progress. And it is by the grace of God, the guidance of the Holy Spirit that makes your living possible with each passing day. Non-believers need to hear this from you, so they don't feel like you are better than they are or coming to God is an impossible undertaking. They need to know that you too have failed, sinned and fallen short of God's glory and seek God daily for soul restoration. With this mindset, you will be more open and sensitive to the needs of others and create receptive heart to the seed of faith you came to share.

Next, you must have a reason why you need to share anything with others. Your sharing should not just be for "chit-chat" sake; it must be purposeful or "Full or Purpose." You must also realize that we are human and the average attention span is, but only for a few seconds, then wonders off like a cute little puppy dog. It needs a leach; something or someone to keep it fully engaged or else, you will never be able to keep the attention long enough to deposit your message or share God's Goodness. Hence you would have wasted your time.

Also, be genuine in your conversations, not fake and too obvious; as if you're a sales person trying to get rid of those last two products on a late Friday evening, just so you could catch the last few minutes of Oprah on TV or your favorite sports team make the big touch down, home run or tomahawk slam-dunk. People are not fools and can spot this "Faith-Sales-Person" anywhere. These types of people are a major turn off and cause non-believers relinquish and abandon their interest in learning more about God.

Start by finding something you have in common with the person. It can be anything; It does not have to be spiritual, even though this might be your purpose for approaching them, do not make it that obvious. Find out about the person: how their day is going, whether they live in the area, or find a topic that most people will spend an eternity talking about, themselves--introduce yourself and ask them to tell or talk a little about something they really like. They will talk your ear off; this is great! This is what you want.

Most people don't have anyone to talk with, not to, but with, especially on a personal level; in fact, sometimes about anything. This is a need of every human being. We need others around regardless of status, wealth, or how sheltered and barricaded we become as a result of society's inflicted hurts. People need to talk, and if you create that environment for them, they will let you in, trust you, and overtime come to depend on your friendship because it is genuine and meets their need.

"You must reach before you meet (YMRBYM)." This means, you can only meet a need when you've reached the person where they are before discovering their need. You are a messenger with a lifesaving message; don't go in for the kill without knowing who or what type of person you are dealing with. Then your conversation will become one of compassion, not pity, and full of grace. Yes, you may have the greatest of intentions, but if your approach is faulty and forced-ripe, you would have defeated your purpose and lose a soul. Most people can tell when others truly care about them, and if they sense a phony, they will clam up, withdraw and become defensive toward you.

Your faith is worth sharing, so share it with passion once you've been given the opportunity to. Think of it this way: (have you ever had your favorite meal, won a prize or tickets to see your favorite sports team play in a championship game, visit a great vacation spot, been to your favorite artist's concert and got their a autograph, or sat next to a superstar on the airplane, bus or train)?

And how does that make you feel? You get really excited, pumped and overjoyed and full of anticipation to tell someone, somebody, and anybody that would listen. Mind you, you could care less if they understood everything you've just blurted out at them, while grinning from ear to ear. This is the same feeling you should get when talking about the goodness and grace of God. You may not jump and do cartwheels, but your enthusiasm should bubble up from deep within like a volcano in Southern Hawaii! Remember, Faith that can move mountains, heal the sick, heal a broken heart, restore marriages, relationships, and put homes back together is worth sharing with the world.

Live by example, never try to prove anything to anyone; let them see your light. Believe me, they will come. They will become curious and ask you why you do what you do. People, for the most part, are better watchers than they are listeners. They watch everything, and with the right consistency you will begin to win them over. This too is a process, so don't rush in for the kill even if they approach you; take it easy, and feel them out first, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.

Why it is important to use patience? Because sharing is a team effort that is shared by everyone in the Kingdom of God, everyone has a specific role. And you run a major risk of turning people away if you think selfishly. By this a mean, you want to be the one that shares your faith and win that soul for God, so you can tell others about it and have a bragging parade. Yeah! I did it! No, you did not! You should keep in mind that, like a farmer, you may be the one to put the grain of corn or peas into the soil or earth, and that's it-Nothing else.

From then on, nature takes over to break down the grain particles (process of germination) so it can be transformed into a plant, and with time another element of nature plays the role of bringing the fruit onto the tree from the seed you've (only) planted.

You have to by faith, (which is what you are sharing) believe that you've done your part and God will do the rest. The Bible says, "One does the sowing, another does the watering, but God brings the increase or fruit" (paraphrased for clarity). Also, no one person builds a house or building by him or herself; they each have a specific role. Some are electricians, plumbers, carpenters, architects, while others are designers, but in the end the building is completed as each role is carried out.

The same is true in the sharing of your faith and winning souls for God. Sometimes your only job is to plant the seed, not to be the vine-dresser, gardener, and the reaper; but to allow others (like nature) to play their specific role in bringing the soul, which you've (only planted) a seed of faith in, to bring the fruits to fruition. In the end, everyone wins when we play our specific part together as a team.

Let your light shine in your home, where you live, work and you play; people will see and they will come, sometimes effortless. Our goal is to make a lasting impact on everyone we meet. And like the fingers (digits) of the hand, we must come together to make a FIST and pack an unforgettable punch that will last for generations to come. Your sharing is lifesaving.

Final Tips:

Never think too highly of yourself

Never think low of anyone because we all came from a higher place, Heaven

To love God with all your heart is to love and appreciate His never ending creation (people, places, animals and everything)