Share The Good News In Love Series

SHARE THE GOOD NEWS IN LOVE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 28:19-20

Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Romans 10:14-15, Ephesians 4:15, 2 Timothy 4:2

INTRODUCTION:

The Great Commission is a divine mandate given to every believer—to go into the world and make disciples of all nations. However, how we share the gospel matters just as much as the message itself. Many people have been driven away from Christ not because of the message, but because of the attitude and approach of those who preach it.

In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Paul reminds us that even if we speak with the tongues of angels, have prophetic gifts, and give all we have to the poor, but do not have love, we are nothing. Love is the foundation of true evangelism. When we share the good news in love, we reflect the very nature of Christ, who reached out with compassion, grace, and truth.

1. THE GOSPEL IS A MESSAGE OF LOVE

The gospel itself is the greatest love story ever told—that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16). The message of salvation is not one of condemnation but of redemption.

a) God’s love is the foundation of salvation (Romans 5:8)

God demonstrated His love by sending Christ to die for us even when we were sinners. Salvation is an expression of divine love, and we must communicate it in the same spirit.

b) Jesus reached out in love (Luke 19:10)

Jesus did not come to condemn but to seek and save the lost. His approach was not harsh or judgmental, but filled with compassion.

c) Love draws people to Christ (Jeremiah 31:3)

God says, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." People are not won by force but by love.

d) Love is the evidence of true discipleship (John 13:35)

Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Love should be the mark of every believer.

e) Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24)

The father welcomed the wayward son with open arms, showing that God’s love is always ready to receive sinners.

2. SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE

The gospel must be shared with boldness, but also with wisdom and love. Ephesians 4:15 instructs us to "speak the truth in love."

a) The gospel must not be watered down (2 Timothy 4:2)

While we share in love, we must not compromise the truth of the gospel.

b) Love corrects without condemning (Galatians 6:1)

When addressing sin, we must do so with a heart of restoration, not judgement.

c) Compassion breaks resistance (Matthew 9:36)

Jesus saw the multitudes and was moved with compassion, and because of this, many received Him.

d) Gentleness makes the gospel attractive (Colossians 4:6)

Paul urges us to let our speech be seasoned with grace so we can answer everyone effectively.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus and the Woman at the Well (John 4:7-26)

Jesus confronted the Samaritan woman’s sinful lifestyle, but with grace, which led her to repentance.

3. PRACTICAL WAYS TO SHARE THE GOSPEL IN LOVE

Many people reject the gospel not because they hate Jesus, but because they have encountered harsh, judgmental, or insensitive Christians.

a) Listen before you speak (James 1:19)

People need to feel heard before they can hear us.

b) Be patient and understanding (2 Timothy 2:24)

Some people take time to accept the truth, and we must allow the Holy Spirit to work in them.

c) Use kindness and hospitality (Romans 12:13)

Small acts of kindness open doors for deeper conversations about Christ.

d) Live what you preach (Matthew 5:16)

The best way to share the gospel is by being a living testimony of God’s love.

e) Biblical Example: Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40)

Philip patiently explained the gospel to the Ethiopian man, leading to his salvation and baptism.

4. OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO SHARING THE GOSPEL

Many believers struggle to evangelise due to fear, lack of confidence, or negative past experiences. However, God has equipped us to overcome these challenges.

a) Fear of rejection (Luke 10:16)

Jesus reminds us that when people reject us, they are rejecting Him, not us.

b) Feeling unqualified (Exodus 4:10-12)

Just as God equipped Moses, He will give us the words to speak.

c) Lack of boldness (Acts 1:8)

The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses.

d) Facing hostility (Matthew 5:11-12)

Jesus warned that we will be persecuted, but He promised a great reward in heaven.

e) Biblical Example: Paul’s Boldness (Acts 28:30-31)

Even under house arrest, Paul continued to preach boldly.

5. THE REWARD OF SHARING THE GOSPEL IN LOVE

God honours those who share His word with love and sincerity. Romans 10:15 says, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"