Abstract: Ryan Curia encourages us to share the gospel wisely based on Paul’s instructions in Colossians 4:5. Instead of relying on formulaic presentations of the gospel, we should rely on God’s Word as we interact with individuals in real-life situations. We must listen carefully, season our words with salt, and rely on God’s wisdom, which is revealed in his Word and displayed through his church.

 

 

I met Musa at a neighborhood playground. He’d seen me running with my boys in a double stroller, so he came over to introduce himself. “We don’t see a lot of expats around here,” he said. “I wanted to say hello.” We talked about his family, his work, and the neighborhood. Then the conversation turned.

Tears filled his eyes as he described the rise in domestic abuse cases he’d seen, especially involving household helpers. Just the week before, he said, the police had been called to a neighboring flat. “Musa, thanks for being so open,” I replied. Then I asked, “In a world like ours, full of pain and brokenness, where do you find hope?”

“I like to think the best of people,” he said. “Only some people are truly bad.”

I paused, then responded: “There’s a passage in the Bible that speaks to this, about how those with authority should treat those under them. I’ll be teaching on it in a few weeks.”

“Oh, you’re a pastor?” he asked.

“I am. And you’re a Muslim?”

“Not a good one,” he said, “but yes.”

Then I asked for his help. “Since I’m new here, would you help me understand the culture of household helpers? And after I teach, could I send you my message? I’d love to hear what you think.” He said he would, and then we exchanged numbers before he had to go. As I walked away, I wondered to myself, Did I miss the opportunity—or make the most of it?

More Than a Formula 

I didn’t share the gospel that day. Musa didn’t repent and believe. But was that an evangelistic failure? I don’t think so. Was I faithful? I hope so.

Many of my conversations end like that: constructive but not comprehensive. They move toward the gospel but don’t always get there. I also try to make those conversations contextual rather than canned. I speak to real people in the context of real-life situations.

Evangelism is hard work. We know we’re called to it, but that doesn’t make it simple or easy. Tools and frameworks for presenting the gospel can be helpful. I often use God-Man-Sin-Christ-Response, the bridge drawing (with God and man on opposite sides and Christ in the middle), and Two Ways to Live. But even the best evangelistic tool shouldn’t be treated like a formula. We need to be sensitive to the person across from us and the situation before us.

One verse in particular has shaped my evangelism: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity” (Col. 4:5). Based on these instructions from the apostle Paul, I want to draw out three principles for personal evangelism.

1. Listen Carefully

Wise evangelism starts with your ears, not your mouth. Before you speak, listen. Ask questions. Pay attention. Seek to understand what a person loves, fears, and hopes for.

This is at least part of what it looks like to be “wise” toward “outsiders.” Wisdom doesn’t rush in with prepackaged answers. It doesn’t force conversations into a mold. It slows down, observes, and discerns. Every person is different, as is every opportunity.

We should also recognize that we don’t have to say everything in every encounter. Instead of trying to hit a home run, be present and attentive. Look for opportunities in the conversation where the gospel connects, confronts, or calls for a response. This requires listening carefully.

2. Season Your Words

Yes, wise evangelism means listening, but it also involves speaking. At some point, you have to open your mouth. And when you do, let your words be “seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6). Be thoughtful and engaging. Don’t sound rehearsed.

Salt enhances flavor. It stirs interest and creates a thirst for more. In the same way, wise evangelism provokes a response. It asks good questions, makes careful observations, and plants seeds of truth. That might sound like, “You said only some people are truly bad. Have you ever been hurt by someone you trusted?” Or, “Can I share what gives me hope in a world like this?”

Paul says we must know how to answer “each person” (Col. 4:6), which means our words should fit the individual and the moment.

3. Rely on God’s Wisdom

While you should listen carefully and speak thoughtfully, remember that you’re not in control. You don’t know how someone will respond, nor can you change their heart. You must depend on God’s wisdom. This means trusting his Word to do the work in the power of his Spirit. That’s foundational to all our evangelistic efforts.

Relying on God’s wisdom also means recognizing that God has chosen to display his wisdom through the church (Eph. 3:10). Unbelievers need to see that the gospel brings together people who, from the world’s perspective, would never be united in love for one another. The church also provides us with the counsel of others who can help us grow in wisdom (Prov. 15:22). We don’t have to figure out evangelism on our own or do it in isolation.

So invite others in. Ask for help. If you make evangelism a solo venture, you will grow discouraged. But as you rely on God’s wisdom, made known in his Word and through the church, you will be strengthened.

The Next Opportunity 

Finally, remember that faithfulness in evangelism doesn’t always mean pressing for a decision. Sometimes it means nudging the door open for the next opportunity. The same night I met Musa, we had a church member over for dinner. As I shared about my conversation with Musa, she said, “You could have asked him, ‘What makes someone a good Muslim?’” A simple question, but a wise one. It’s the kind of wisdom God gives through his church.

I hope to see Musa soon. Pray that I would make the most of that opportunity.