If you’ve had the joy of leading someone to faith in Jesus Christ, you know it’s one of the most thrilling experiences on earth! Knowing that another soul has entered into the Kingdom of God gives you an excitement that is beyond words! And you can begin encouraging this new believer in their faith. Now, as you begin the discipleship process, it’s so important to practice patience. Often we want to see someone’s bad habits changed overnight. We get discouraged when a new believer isn’t as spiritually mature as we think they should be. But even though it’s important to encourage a new child of God to grow, it’s also important to practice patience. The reality is that it takes each of us time to mature in the Lord. I accepted the Lord as my Savior as a 12 year old boy. And even though it was a very real commitment, I didn’t really begin living the Christian life in its fullness until I was 17. You see, it’s God’s Holy Spirit that brings the growth, not you or me. In First Corinthians 3:6 Paul says, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” So yes, keep encouraging and praying for your friend. But also, let them learn, and grow, in God’s perfect timing.

Have you recently led someone to Jesus Christ? If so, congratulations! Nothing compares to the joy of helping to usher a soul into the family of God! And now you have the opportunity to help your friend grow in their new relationship with the Lord! One of the first steps you can take is to encourage your friend in their new faith. They may be struggling with some doubt, and wonder, “Am I really saved? Did Jesus really come into my heart? How do I know for sure?” Remind your friend of the truth from God’s Word. In John 10:28 Jesus tells us: “I give them eternal life, they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” New believers may also struggle with a sense of guilt from their past sins. If that happens, open the Bible to Romans 8:1 where Paul writes, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” And finally, remind your new brother or sister in Christ that Jesus lives in them. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” These verses will help a new believer. God’s Word can penetrate your friend’s heart, with the Lord’s promises

When I lived in Mexico City, I would chat occasionally with my next-door neighbor. But I didn’t share the Gospel with him. I told myself that I didn’t need to talk to him about Jesus because he seemed happy just as he was. In time, my neighbor changed. The joy left his face. He and his wife started driving separate cars to work. I could tell their marriage was souring. I felt I should talk with him, but I didn’t want to meddle in his life. I went about my business and headed off for an evangelistic crusade in Peru. When I returned home, I learned my neighbor had killed himself. I was heartbroken. I knew I should have gone to him and persuaded him to repent and follow Christ. But, because of silly excuses, I didn’t do it. We must not make excuses for not telling people about Jesus Christ. The Bible says Christians are, “Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” Friends, let’s be bold in our faith! Don’t do what I did. Don’t walk past an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus. The world is literally dying without Jesus Christ.

Sharing our faith isn’t always easy – I know! As a young man, I was convinced I didn’t have the gift of evangelism. No matter how hard I tried, no one was coming to faith in Jesus Christ. I remember giving God a deadline: “If I don’t see any converts by the end of the year, I’m quitting.” I would still be an active Christian, but I planned to resign myself from striving to win the lost to Jesus Christ. The end of the year came and went. No converts. Now I was SURE I didn’t have the gift of evangelism. Then, about four days into the new year, I met someone who said, “Please tell me how I can get a pure heart.” Together we looked at the Bible. It says, “The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin.” That was the answer! That evening, this person found peace with God and went home with a pure heart overflowing with joy. How delightful it was to lead this person to Jesus Christ! You can do the same. YOU can lead someone to faith in Jesus Christ. But you must boldly ask God to use you. And then you must respond when He gives you the opportunity. He will help you, but you must first be willing.