Reaching the Unsaved Without Being Judgmental: A Christlike Invitation

In a world increasingly skeptical of religion and wary of hypocrisy, the call to reach the unsaved is more urgent and more delicate than ever. As followers of Christ, we are commissioned to share the Gospel, but how we do so can either open hearts or close them. Too often, well-meaning believers fall into the trap of judgment, forgetting that it is kindness, not condemnation, that leads to repentance. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4, NIV). This essay explores how we can reach the unsaved with the same grace, humility, and love that Jesus extended to us.

Lead with Love, Not Condemnation

Jesus’ mission was never to shame the broken but to restore them. His posture toward sinners was not one of superiority, but of compassion. John 3:17 declares, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” If the Son of God Himself did not come to condemn, then neither should we. Love must be the foundation of our witness. When we lead with love, we reflect the very heart of the Gospel—a message of redemption, not rejection.

Let Your Life Be the Message

Evangelism is not limited to words; it is most powerful when embodied in a life transformed by grace. Jesus called His followers to be salt and light in the world, saying, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, NIV). A life marked by humility, integrity, and compassion speaks volumes. When people see Christ in us—through our patience, our forgiveness, our joy—they become curious about the source of that light.

Speak Truth with Grace

Truth is essential to the Gospel, but it must be delivered with gentleness. Ephesians 4:15 exhorts us to “speak the truth in love,” so that we may grow in maturity and unity. Truth without love can wound; love without truth can mislead. But truth spoken in love has the power to transform. When we share the Gospel, we must do so not as judges handing down verdicts, but as fellow travelers pointing to the One who saved us.

Remember Your Own Redemption

Empathy is born from memory. When we remember our own journey, our doubts, our failures, our need for grace, we approach others with humility rather than pride. The Apostle Peter writes, “Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (1 Peter 2:10, NIV). Our testimony is not a trophy of righteousness but a reminder of mercy. Sharing our story with honesty and vulnerability can break down walls and build bridges.

Pray Before You Speak

No strategy or eloquence can replace the power of prayer. Before we speak to others about Christ, we must first speak to Christ about them. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field” (Luke 10:2, NIV). Prayer prepares our hearts and theirs. It reminds us that salvation is not our work, but God’s. We are simply vessels, willing, available, and surrendered.

Conclusion

To reach the unsaved without being judgmental is to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. It is to love without condition, to speak with grace, to live with integrity, and to remember that we, too, were once lost. Our mission is not to win arguments, but to win hearts. And hearts are won not through condemnation, but through compassion. As we go into the world, may we carry the Gospel not as a weapon, but as a healing balm, offering hope, not shame; light, not heat; and above all, love that reflects the heart of Christ.

The Discipleship Journey

Bishop CM Jamison, Jurisdictional Prelate

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COMMENTARY FROM BISHOP JAMISON ON THIS SUBJECT