Romans 1:16
16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Here we see Paul discussing his approach to the gospel, which he says is “the power of God for the salvation of everyone…for the Jew, then for the Gentile”–meaning people who’ve studied a whole lot about the Law, people who don’t know anything about it, and everyone in between. He boldly proclaims he’s not afraid of talking about the gospel, because he believes it’s important for everyone to hear.

Unfortunately, these days it’s pretty hard to talk about religion/faith in public with this much boldness. Religion, like politics, is a hot-button topic which seems best saved for single-family dinner tables and not public gatherings; no matter what you believe, somebody’s going to get offended by it, it seems.  Everyone gets a little antsy when religious beliefs come up in conversation, especially when there are opposing views present, or if one person starts to accuse another of not believing as strongly as they should.  Disagreements about beliefs can start fights and even break up friendships.

Personally, I often just keep my mouth shut just for safety’s sake when it comes to discussions of faith. It’s not that my faith is weak–I just don’t want to offend anyone, and I don’t want to be lumped in with the belligerent “Bible-thumpers” who never listen to anyone but themselves. Sometimes, I find myself about to share my experience of God with someone, and it sticks to my tongue instead.

But those who don’t know anything about God have got to hear about Him from somebody.  Paul’s words in this verse also remind us that there is a way to share the gospel without being overbearing about it. Simply sharing our own personal experiences with God’s grace and power, and not necessarily preaching about what is “right” and “wrong” in God’s eyes, can be more moving and touching to another person who has never known that peace that passes all understanding. We can best show God’s unconditional love by offering it to others, telling them of His forgiveness and grace, as Paul advises.  If anyone is a mender of broken souls and a healer of spiritual hurts, it is God, and people need to know that. We serve God best when we share from our own hearts, courageously and compassionately.