Building Relationships for Evangelism: Loving as Jesus Loved

Evangelism is not just about sharing the Gospel message; it’s about building meaningful relationships rooted in love, humility, and understanding. In this part of the “Sharing Jesus” series, we are going to look at building relationships for evangelism. The foundation of effective evangelism is love, as Jesus instructed:

“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39, NLT)

In this fourth part of our blog series on evangelism, we will explore the importance of relationships in evangelism, why we must avoid judgment, and practical ways to live out Christ’s love to reach others with the Good News.

A scenic forest path forks into two directions, with one sign labeled "Love" pointing toward a bright, sunny clearing and another labeled "Judgment" pointing toward a dark, stormy area with lightning. — Life offers two paths—one filled with love and light, the other with judgment and storms. Which path will you choose?

Avoiding Judgment: Focus on Love, Not Condemnation

Too often, judgment becomes a barrier in relationships, especially when we see others living in ways contrary to biblical principles. However, Jesus did not call us to be judges; He called us to be His witnesses and ambassadors of love.

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others.” (Matthew 7:1-2, NLT)

Sin that is obvious to a believer may not be apparent to the person we are trying to reach. Their worldview and experiences may blind them to what seems clear to us. Instead of pointing out their faults, our goal should be to demonstrate the transformative love of Christ. Remember, it is the Holy Spirit who convicts hearts—not us.

Paul reminds us of this truth in his letter to the Romans:

“Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” (Romans 2:4, NLT)

God’s kindness leads to repentance, not condemnation. When building relationships for evangelism, we must mirror this kindness in every interaction.

A diverse group of people enjoying a community gathering in a park, with picnic tables, games, and children playing in the golden sunlight. — Community gatherings bring people together in love and unity. Let’s build relationships that reflect Christ’s love.

Practical Application: Building Relationships for Evangelism

Building relationships for evangelism is an intentional process. Here are practical ways to live out Christ’s love:

Start with Genuine Interest
Take the time to know people personally. Ask about their interests, family, and struggles. Show that you care about them as individuals, not as a project.
Be a Good Listener
Listening is one of the greatest acts of love. When someone shares their story, listen without interrupting or correcting. People are more likely to trust and open up when they feel heard.
Serve in Love
Look for ways to serve others selflessly. This could be as simple as helping a neighbor with yard work, bringing a meal to someone in need, or offering to babysit for a single parent. Acts of kindness speak volumes about God’s love.
Be Patient and Prayerful
Building trust takes time. Pray for opportunities to share Christ and for the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts. Trust God’s timing and be patient.
Share Your Life
Let others see how Christ is working in your life. Share your joys, struggles, and how your faith sustains you. Transparency breaks down barriers.
Invite Them In
Whether it’s a church service, a small group, or a family dinner, invite people into your life and faith community. Authentic connections often happen over shared experiences.
Love Without Agenda
Love people regardless of whether they accept the Gospel. Jesus loved unconditionally, and we are called to do the same. Leave the results to God.

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35, NLT)

A modern depiction of the Woman at the Well, showing a young woman seated at a fountain in a park, holding a cup of water, with a man symbolizing Jesus speaking to her compassionately. — The timeless message of love and acceptance in a modern world.

Recap of the Blog Series

As we continue this journey of evangelism, let’s reflect on the steps we’ve taken so far:

Poems for this Blog Series

Each step builds on the other, equipping us to fulfill the Great Commission with love, humility, and boldness.

An artistic illustration of an open door with light streaming through, a hand reaching out to another, symbolizing building relationships and taking action. — Step into action! Extend love, build relationships, and share the Good News.

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Let’s grow together as we share Christ’s love with the world.