3 Practical Tips for Sharing God’s Love This Summer

Posted June 28, 2019

What does your summer prep look like? Are you all about the wardrobe switch, excitedly swapping out those winter layers for T-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops? I want to give you practical tips for sharing God’s love this summer as a part of your summer prep!

Maybe you get ready for summer by thinking about what flowers you will plant and making that highly anticipated trip to your local outdoor store where you will drop way too much—if there’s such a thing—on flowers and plants.

For me, summer is my grown children bringing their grandchildren—seven total, and one more on the way—to our house to swim. It is the sound of their laughter, the smell of sunscreen and hamburgers, and the warmth of the sun on my shoulders.

Whatever you do to prepare for summer, I want to encourage you to also think about opportunities for sharing your faith.

In summer, people are more active and more chipper than ever, so it’s a great time to get into an evangelization mind-set.

Here Are My 3 Tips for Sharing God’s Love This Summer

1. Extend Hospitality

God’s Word calls us to be hospitable to others.

When you think of the meaning of hospitality, you might think it means being a welcoming host to friends and family who come into your home, BUT the word hospitality is actually derived from the Latin hospes, which means “host,” “guest,” or “stranger.”

So when God calls us to be hospitable, that doesn’t just mean to those we know and love. That means we are called to be loving to strangers as well.

Hebrews 13:2 tells us, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

This summer, as you plan get-togethers, think about people you can invite that you wouldn’t normally invite.

I am not saying to grab someone from the gas station around the corner and bring them to your BBQ, but I am encouraging you to pray in the Spirit and let God guide you when you make the guest list.

Is there someone from the neighborhood that pops into your mind? Or someone from church? You may discover some incredible new friendships!

God uses us to reach others in need.

I can’t tell you how many times I have felt called to pray for someone out of the clear blue! I make a point to listen to that voice, and often, I learn that the person I was called to pray for was going through something at that very moment.

Don’t ignore that still, small whisper. Listen to the Holy Spirit, and make a point to include and be hospitable to strangers this summer!

Just as God pours out His love to us, it’s our calling to share that love with the world.

2. Embrace Spirit-led Conversations

Summertime is all about backyard BBQs and conversations around the firepit, so why not use this time to share your faith??

So many of us tread lightly, afraid to make others feel uncomfortable.

Don’t let the culture convince you that you need to be quiet about Jesus!

Remember, we are called to share our faith with boldness. In fact, did you know:

Eighty-six percent of people attend church because they were invited by someone they know. Only two percent attend because of an advertisement. (Roy M. Oswald and Speed B. Leas, The Inviting Church)

Seven out of ten unchurched people have NEVER been invited to church. (Dr. Thom Rainer, The Unchurched Next Door)

Sixty-three percent of Americans say a personal invitation from a friend or neighbor would be very or somewhat effective in getting them to visit a church. (LifeWay Research)

What this DOES look like: offering up stories that demonstrate how we have experienced God’s amazing love and faithfulness in our own lives.

What this does NOT look like: shaming others for not believing what we do.

First Peter 3:15 tells us, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Also, trust the Holy Spirit to let you know which conversations will be fruitful and which ones will not. If you sense someone is not open to your faith, it’s okay to not engage. Everything has its proper season.

Go HERE for my Youtube teaching, “Hearing God’s Voice,” and receive more practical tips for hearing and trusting God’s voice.

3. Be the Hands and Feet

Evangelization isn’t just about talking about God’s love; it’s also about showing God’s love.

Jesus performed miracles.

He stood side-by-side with the family of Lazarus and mourned with them.

He washed the feet of His disciples.

Jesus didn’t just talk about love; He walked it out, day after day.

When you share your faith, you are doing the same. By sharing your faith, you are also glorifying God, AND you are showing people proof of God’s love and faithfulness in your life.

There are more opportunities to share your faith than you think…

If you don’t often have company over to your house, consider calling someone today that you care about and asking them how they’re doing. Maybe it’s a parent, child, sibling, or friend. No one is an island. We all need someone to show that they care, even if it’s just a quick phone call. ? I hope you use these tips in sharing God’s love this summer!

Kindness is free, AND when we reach out to others in love, we are filled with joy in return!

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