Three Reasons to Evangelize - Part 3
By Bro. John Burns

II Corinthians 4:3
"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:"

The third reason for consideration, as to why Christian’s should evangelize, is because of Christ’s compassion toward us. 

When the saved fall in love with the Saviour, there will be no holding them back of sharing the wonderful work He has done in their life.  There are many examples in Scripture of those who came to repentance and saving faith in Christ, and in those examples almost immediately they started to herald the great news of the forgiveness and love found only in Him. 

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:14 “for the love of Christ constraineth us…”  The word constraineth means to be encircled, surrounded, pressed in, or seized.  It carries the idea of being held in restraint like in a prison cell.  Paul was expressing the fact that it was Christ’s love for him, which he reciprocated, that compelled him to care for others and evangelize. 

It is perfectly normal for those who have a love and excitement of something to tell others.  When a child is born, something exciting takes place, or something of good fortune happens, it is most natural and expected of those involved to share with others.  The whole reason for sharing is so that others may be able to have part in the rejoicing.  

Christian, does it not make sense to tell others how that you have been reborn?  You were once an enemy of God (Rm. 5:8-10) and alienated from Him and His blessings (Eph. 2:13, 19).  But now through the miraculous new birth you are made a joint heir with Jesus Christ (Rm. 8:17). 

How can one who has tasted and seen that the Lord is good not tell others of this goodness?  Has not Christ changed your life and given you life more abundant (John 10:10)? 

I am reminded of the illustration of a well.  Actually James uses this illustration in James 3:11.  James asks the question, doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?  The answer is an understood, NO!  Well, in the same manner, when a person is born again (1 Pt. 1:23) and washed from their sins, (Rev. 1:5) then what proceeds out of their mouth will be changed too.

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh (Mt. 12:34).  If Christ means much to you then He will abundantly be on your heart, and you will speak of Him. 

I remember when I had gotten saved one of the first things I did was told folks of what happened.  I knew almost no scripture and understood very little of what had happened, but I knew I was forgiven of all my sin.  I never will forget that day when I repented and Jesus washed my sins away.  From that day forward I have enjoyed telling others of what Christ has done for me and how that He can do the same for them. 

A parable that Christ told speaks to the heart of this matter. The parable of the creditor and the two debtors found in Luke 7:41-50.  The summary of it is that to whom much is forgiven, the same loveth much.  Beloved, just how much have you been forgiven?  Proportionate to the amount of forgiveness that you see yourself having received will be the amount to which you love your Saviour.  Is it enough to tell others of Him?

Christian, what of these three motivations to evangelize?  The first motivating factor being that Christ has commanded us to tell our neighbors and the world of His saving grace.  Are you obeying that command?  The second motivating factor being that the lost will suffer the consequence of the Lake of Fire for all eternity if they are not saved.  Is the eternal consequence of the lost enough for you to warn them?  The third motivating factor being that of Christ’s compassion toward us that led Him to give His life that we might have life.  Can we receive Christ’s compassion for us and not have the same compassion toward others who need the forgiveness of sins?  Do you love Him enough to tell others about what He has done in your life? 

Are these reasons enough for you to evangelize?  Any one of these reasons alone ought to be enough, but looking at all three, there should never be a time when we are not ready to tell others of just how sweet Jesus is.