It's a widely-known and accepted reality that we (human beings) like to avoid difficult and uncomfortable things. (I have no polling data to reference, but I trust that you agree with me.)
Proclaiming the gospel is difficult and uncomfortable.
Think about it. On the one hand, we're sharing subjective personal experience--what we've come to understand, believe, and even feel. We're telling a story about what we've gone through in life and how that has led us to being more satisfied, fulfilled, and assured.
On the other hand, we're stating objective sweeping statements--that all people are sinners in need of a Savior. We're asserting truths that affect every person and calling them to repent of the natural way of thinking that they've embraced throughout their entire lives. And if that were not enough, these people respond with assertions of their own that disagree with our worldview. They ask questions. They create separation. They shut down. They confirm what we already thought about the whole idea of preaching the gospel: it's difficult and uncomfortable.
Beyond all that, it's a risk. We risk our reputation, relationships, and rest when we enter into conversations about the gospel. And we like our reputation, relationships, and rest. We don't like difficult and uncomfortable things.
Let me encourage you: Jesus is worth it. Jesus went through difficult and uncomfortable things for us (far beyond what we will ever experience), and we're thankful. Those who proclaimed the gospel to us took on risk, as they initiated the difficult and uncomfortable conversation we needed. We're thankful for that, too.
Carry on this great tradition and consider who you should proclaim the gospel to today.
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