3 signs it’s time to STOP sharing the gospel with someone
Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. (Matthew 7:6)
My daughter Kate is the boldest evangelist I know…but she’s 9, so she’s not always the wisest or most emotionally intelligent. :)
Case-in-point: Last school year, Kate was sharing the gospel with a friend at school I’ll call Addison. After a few days of faithfully sharing Jesus’s good news, Addison abruptly said, “Kate! I’m tired of talking about Jesus. Can we please talk about something else?”
Sweet Kate came home discouraged, unsure of what to do next. That’s when I pointed her to today’s passage.
On the surface, Jesus’s words in Matthew 7:6 sound a bit…bizarre. I can imagine his original audience thinking Dogs, pearls, and pigs? What in the world are we talking about, Jesus?
Here’s how one group of theologians summarizes the most common interpretation of this text: “Jesus uses dogs and pigs as representative of those who would ridicule, reject, and blaspheme the gospel once it is presented to them. We are not to expose the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who have no other purpose than to trample it and return to their own evil ways.”
This brings to mind Jesus’s words in Matthew 10:14 when he sends his disciples out to preach, saying, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.”
Jesus’s words point to a surprising principle: There are moments when the wisest and most loving thing we can do is pause our gospel proclamation—entrusting that person to God’s timing and methods.
So how do you know when it’s time to stop sharing the gospel with someone? I look for these signs:
#1: They ask you to stop sharing. See Kate’s friend Addison.
#2: They openly mock Christ or his gospel. With their words they “trample” the gospel message underfoot.
#3: They hear but do not “listen to your words.” I’ve shared the gospel clearly with a friend multiple times. And while he hears the words, it’s clear he’s not truly listening. He has no interest in making Jesus his king. So, for this season, I’ve backed off and am praying for God to send someone else who can connect more winsomely.
Of course, this decision requires more wisdom than a devotional can offer. So here’s my challenge to you: Think of someone who has been resistant to the gospel. And ask the Lord for wisdom on whether it’s time to pause or persevere in sharing Jesus’s good news with them.
