I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2

Principle 3: In all circumstances, be ready to share the gospel.

Life can be difficult.  Circumstances can change quickly and unexpectedly, causing us stress and worry. The first Christians, fleeing Jerusalem because of persecution, knew what it was like to live in jeopardy. God says they ‘scattered’ (Acts 8:1,4) giving the impression that they left their homes, family, friends and jobs not knowing where their next meal was coming from or where they would find rest and shelter.  These challenges did not stop them from sharing the gospel but provided them with new opportunities to do so.

God instructs us to be like them and be ready to share the gospel in season and out of season (2 Ti 4:2), that is to be prepared to share it whenever the Holy Spirit leads us to do so. There is no situation, I believe, where the gospel cannot be shown, either by speaking it or demonstrating it by our actions and attitudes. Proclaiming it is one of our greatest privileges and we are blessed and God is glorified when we do it:

… As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”  Romans 10:15

One of the remarkable effects of sharing the gospel is that it can take our attention away from things that may be causing us pain, stress and worry.  I suspect this is the effect it had on the first Christians who had left everything in Jerusalem –not knowing what the future held. Their care for the strangers that God had led them to was remarkable. Their main concern seemed to be their spiritual well-being rather than their own physical needs.  This reminds us of our great Saviour, who when he was dying, prayed:

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”….

 Luke 23:34

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:14-15