We are all called to share Christ with others in some way. God has given all of us a special set of gifts and talents to be able to accomplish this task, but sharing Christ's love with others can still seem like a hefty task. Little do we realize that God has given all of us the most fruitful gift: kindness. Kindness is something that everybody has, and it is something that everybody can easily share. It is also the best way to share the gospel with others.
A few weeks ago, I got the privilege of attending a Steubenville Conference in Wisconsin. For those of you that do not know, Steubenville is a youth conference where over 2,000 youth gather to share in their faith and grow as one. While at the conference I had the chance to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation, and the priest that heard my confession reminded me of the story of the commissioning of the 72. In Luke 10:2-6 Jesus says to those he is sending out, "Certainly the harvest is great, but the workers are few. Therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers into his harvest. Go forth. Behold, I send you out like lambs among wolves. Do not choose to carry a purse, nor provisions, nor shoes; and you shall greet not one along the way. Into whatever house you will have entered, first say, 'Peace to this house.' And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you."
The priest reminded me that Christ sent out his followers to do his work without any special tools. All he asked of them was to share peace and kindness. And Christ reminded them that if they take peace into a home it could be received or it may not, but they must accept either outcome with the same peace.
This hit me. It hit hard. Woah. For quite a bit if time, I had this fear of sharing my faith on a deeper level. I was fearful of not having the adequate tools to share my faith the way that someone would need to receive it. That terrified me. I wanted nothing but to share my faith with all of those around me, but I felt like I didn't have the ability to do so.
This priest helped me realize that all along I have had the greatest tool for sharing my faith: kindness. When we share our love, through kindness, we are sharing Christ's love. Christ instills His love in each and every one of us, and he calls us to share that love. We may not receive that love back when we give it, but remember the love that you came with. That is the love that will spread Christ to the world.
Also remember that the Lord has not abandoned us. He is always there to guide us so when we do encounter a difficult situation in terms of faith (or any situation really) He is there walking with us. So I challenge you to use your beautiful gift of kindness to share Christ with somebody today. How are you going to be courageous and share you faith?
