REFLECTIONS FROM ▶ GREG'S MESSAGE ON 9/8/24
In a world where the word "contagious" often brings negative thoughts to mind, what if we redefined it? Imagine a life so full of joy, freedom, and purpose that people can't help but notice and ask, "What do you have, and how can I get it?" That's the essence of contagious faith—living in such a way that others are drawn to the hope and transformation they see in us.
What is Contagious Faith?
Contagious faith isn’t about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about living authentically, with all the messy parts of our stories, and showing how faith makes a real difference. The journey toward a contagious faith starts with one simple goal: to be more like Jesus.
We don't have to wait until we have everything figured out. In fact, one of the most freeing aspects of faith is recognizing that it’s okay not to have all the answers. What truly makes us contagious is how we live out our faith in everyday situations. It’s about showing how our lives have been changed by a connection with something greater than ourselves.
Are you waiting until you feel “ready” to share your faith? How can you step out and live more authentically, even without all the answers?
Don’t Wait to Have All the Answers
Many of us hold back from sharing our faith because we feel like we don’t know enough or haven't been trained in evangelism. But here’s the truth: you don’t need a theology degree to have a contagious faith. Just like in the story of Andrew and John in John 1, they didn’t wait until they knew everything about Jesus. Instead, they simply said, "Come and see."
When we speak from our experiences rather than expertise, we create opportunities for others to witness firsthand how faith has impacted our lives. You don’t have to explain every theological concept. All you need to say is, “Here’s what I’ve experienced. Come and see for yourself.”
Do you feel like you need to be an expert before talking about your faith? How can sharing your personal experiences make your faith more relatable to others?
The Power of Invitation: Just Come and See
Another key aspect of contagious faith is extending simple invitations. Like Philip did for Nathaniel, we don’t need to convince others with long arguments. Often, the most powerful thing we can say is, "Come and see."
The research shows that people are more open to invitations than we realize. Many of us hesitate, thinking we might ruin a friendship or make someone uncomfortable. But what if inviting someone to experience a faith community or a transformative event is exactly what they’ve been waiting for?
In a world that often feels disconnected, the invitation to experience a place of belonging, hope, and love is a gift we can offer. And it doesn't have to be complicated. It’s about making the ask, not the argument.
When was the last time you invited someone into your faith community or to experience something meaningful? How can you overcome any fears that are holding you back from making that invitation?
Speak from Experience, Not Expertise
One of the biggest misconceptions is that we need to be experts to share our faith. But what really resonates with people is authenticity. When we speak from our experiences—sharing how faith has transformed us—it’s much more relatable than trying to offer expert-level knowledge.
People are drawn to stories. Sharing how your life has been shaped by your relationship with God is powerful. It’s not about perfection, but about progress. You’ve found hope, healing, or purpose in your journey, and others can see that spark. That’s what makes faith contagious.
What parts of your story could you share with others that show the impact faith has had on your life?
Living a Contagious Faith in Everyday Life
Ultimately, living with a contagious faith isn’t just about attending church or following a set of rules. It’s about how we live out our values and beliefs in our everyday interactions. Whether it’s offering a word of encouragement, helping a neighbor, or simply living with joy and purpose, we are always modeling something.
What do you want people to see in your life? Do you want them to see a person who is weighed down by the pressures of life or someone who, even in hard times, holds onto hope? When we live with a contagious faith, others can see the difference in our lives, and they’ll want to know how they can experience it, too.
How do your daily actions reflect the faith you hold? What changes could you make to live more intentionally with a contagious faith?
Start with an Invitation
Living a contagious faith doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with small, genuine steps. Sharing your personal experiences, extending a simple invitation, and living authentically are all powerful ways to spread the hope you’ve found.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment or until you feel like you’ve got it all figured out. Instead, embrace the opportunity to say, "Come and see." When you live with a contagious faith, you’re not just changing your own life—you’re creating a ripple effect that can inspire and impact the lives of those around you.
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