Since the death of Charlie Kirk, I’ve felt deeply stirred to share my faith more openly. His boldness and clarity in speaking truth reminded me how short our time really is—and how much the people around us need to hear about the hope found in Christ. 

I want to follow that example. I want to live and speak with that same sense of urgency and purpose. One person on my heart is a family member who does not yet believe. We’ve begun an honest, ongoing dialogue about faith. I don’t know where it will lead, but I have three simple principles to guide me as I share Christ. 

First, I want to listen. Before speaking, I am learning to listen—not to plan a rebuttal, but to understand where they’re coming from and what they believe. James 1:19 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Listening shows humility and respect; it acknowledges that the purpose of conversations about Jesus aren’t to win a debate, but to open a heart. 

With the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), Jesus began with a question, invited her to share her story, and only then revealed who He was. Listening opens the door for relationship and can soften the heart for truth to take root. 

Second, I want to show love. Love is the foundation of every conversation about the gospel. Without it, truth can sound harsh or self-righteous. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Love means being patient when someone pushes back, showing kindness when they misunderstand, and keeping the door open even when the discussion gets uncomfortable. 

Lastly, I want to speak truth. Love and truth are never in conflict. Truth without love can wound but love without truth can mislead. The gospel is both grace and truth—offering hope but also calling for repentance. Ephesians 4:15 urges us to “speak the truth in love,” growing to be more like Christ. 

It’s not our job to convince or convert; it’s our role to faithfully share the message and trust the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of those we talk to. “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). 

I want my conversations with my family member to reflect Jesus—listening with compassion, loving without condition, and speaking truth with courage. These three principles ground me in grace and remind me that evangelism isn’t about winning arguments, but about winning hearts for Christ. 

By Paky Kramer