fearless evangelization
"Have no fear." —Genesis 50:19<br>So do not be afraid of anything." —Matthew 10:31
We should not be afraid to acknowledge Jesus publicly because:
- We are "glad to become like" Jesus even in His suffering (Mt 10:25).
- Our persecutors cannot destroy our souls (Mt 10:28).
- We fear God (Mt 10:28).
- God loves, values, and protects us (Mt 10:29-31).
- Jesus will later acknowledge us before God the Father in heaven (Mt 10:32).
- We disown Jesus if we don't acknowledge Him (see Mt 10:33).
The Lord has given us many reasons not to be afraid. He commands us: "Fear is useless. Only believe" (Mk 5:36, our transl.). He promises us: "Love has no room for fear; rather, perfect love casts out all fear" (1 Jn 4:18). We respond by praying: "The Lord is my Light and my Salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life's Refuge; of whom should I be afraid?" (Ps 27:1) We respond by fearlessly and publicly acknowledging Jesus.
Prayer: Father, make me a fearless evangelizer.
Promise: "Do not let them intimidate you. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, and nothing hidden that will not become known." —Mt 10:26
Praise: Agnes prayed for years for her rowdy son. He received the Holy Spirit in a life-changing way. He has since led thousands of people to Jesus.
Reference: (For related teaching, order our leaflet, Evangelism As Worship.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, November 12, 1996
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 10, 1996