Spit It Out!

Spit It Out!

Sharing the Sweet News

We all know how unpredictable children can be—especially when it comes to what they decide to pop in their mouths!

One unforgettable Sunday morning, right after church, I was shaking hands with a young dad when, out of nowhere, he went into full “parental emergency” mode.

“Pastor, excuse me, please,” he cut in, his eyes suddenly locked on his four-year-old daughter, whose cheeks looked suspiciously chipmunk-like.

Like any dad faced with mysterious munching, he leaned in and commanded, “Spit it out.”

The tiny culprit simply shook her head, a determined “No!” written all over her face as she kept chewing, cheeks puffed out in defiance.

Not to be outdone, her dad tried again—this time channeling his inner drill sergeant. “Spit it out.” Still, no cookie cooperation. So, with all the authority a dad can muster in front of a crowd, he cupped his hand beneath her chin and announced, “Spit it out—and spit it out now!”

Knowing the jig was up, the little one reluctantly leaned over and deposited a mouthful of gooey, unrecognizable sludge into his waiting palm—a substance that, after rigorous forensic analysis, was determined to be the remains of an Oreo cookie.

Groans and laughter erupted; it was equal parts adorable and, frankly, disgusting.

The truth is, that little girl didn’t want to share what she’d been savoring, but she was compelled—with some serious encouragement—to hand it over.

Now, before you judge her, ask yourself: who among us hasn’t tried to keep something delicious to ourselves? If you had a mouthful of Oreo cookie goodness, would you want to give it up—even with your dad glaring at you?

But when it comes to the gospel—the sweetest news ever received—we’re not asked to share it out of fear or obligation.

Instead, we’re compelled by something far more powerful: love. The love of Christ nudges us, sometimes like a gentle parent, sometimes like a firm hand under the chin, saying, “Don’t keep this sweetness to yourself—share it!”

So, if you’ve tasted how good the gospel is, don’t be an Oreo hoarder.

Let your love for others compel you to “spit it out”—in the best possible way. Paul reminds us that we have a gospel so wonderful, so life-changing, that it was never meant to stay hidden.

As that Oreo was sweet to the little girl, the gospel is even sweeter to those who receive it. So, go on—share the sweet stuff. Spit it out!

Takeaway: If Christ has been sweet to you, don’t keep the gospel to yourself—love compels us to share.

Scriptures: Jeremiah 20:9; Romans 1:16; Acts 4:20; 2 Corinthians 5:14–21; Psalm 107:2

Contributor: LC Taylor, Sr. (USA)

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