Are there people in your family that don’t know Jesus? Do you have a heart to see them follow Jesus? Christmas is a great time for conversations about Jesus, but have you ever felt like it’s more difficult to talk about your faith with family members than with friends, colleagues, or even strangers? Your family members probably know you better than anyone, yet you find it awkward to talk about your relationship with God. Why is this?
Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate faith conversations at Christmas with your family...
There’s more at stake
Sharing one’s faith is a vulnerable step as it risks rejection. The threat of being rejected by a family member is likely to be scarier than that of a friend, so we might be less honest with family members when it comes to big issues like our faith.
Family members will give you their unfiltered reaction
It’s harder to share with family because they may be more vocal about their judgment/pushback against your beliefs.
We all have a desire to be accepted and approved of
We all want to be accepted, and this is especially true when it comes to family. You may avoid talking about your faith because you don’t want it to lead to conflict or disapproval.
Your family knows you better than anyone
You may feel like family members hold you to a higher standard, so sharing your faith can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, or being “hypocritical” because you’re not perfect.
Jesus says in Matthew 5:14 that you are called to be a light in your world - including amongst your family. You don’t need to let the fear of a negative reaction stop you from talking about Jesus!
Let’s reframe each of those excuses:
- There’s more at stake (if I don’t tell them about Jesus)
- Family members will give you their unfiltered reaction (which can facilitate authentic, honest faith conversations)
- We all have a desire to be accepted and approved of (you have a heavenly father who unconditionally loves and accepts you, and is cheering you on)
- Your family knows you better than anyone (so they will see the way that God has changed your life)
Here are 3 tips to help you share your faith with your family:
1. Start with baby steps.
Choose someone that you feel safest with, and share with them what God has been doing in your life. See how they respond, and choose your next step from there.
2. Live a life that is an example of Christ.
Allow them to see Jesus through your actions rather than just your words. Demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit. Let peace, love, and joy shine out like a light on a hill pointing to Jesus. (Galatians 5:22-23)
3. Let your faith infiltrate your household.
Play worship music, have scriptures hanging on your walls, and don’t shy away from talking about the good things God is doing in your life.
Is there someone in your family that you’re believing to be saved? Write their name down and commit to praying for them in the days leading up to Christmas. Ask God to soften their heart and to give you opportunities to make the most of Christmas by sharing Jesus with them!
Bible Verses
Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
