As we share our faith, we should be mindful of our objectives and motives. Trying to convince others through logic and evidence may lead to frustration, anxious tension, defensiveness and other uncharitable emotions. We’re called to present the evidence which convinces us, not necessarily change anyone else’s mind; repentance is God’s work, not ours. (2Ti 2:24-25)
God tells us to always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks us for a reason we believe, why we have hope of eternal life (Ti 1:2), and to answer them with meekness and respect. (1Pe 3:15) What evidence do we have for our faith? Why do we believe what we do? Why are we so convinced? We should be able to articulate this clearly and rationally.
Some may claim our reasons for faith are grounded in ignorance or lies, and we should listen carefully and try to learn, checking out the truth for ourselves. Everyone knows something we don’t, and no part of reality should intimidate us; we should try to reconcile all of our experience and knowledge into a coherent worldview. This is how truth-seekers live; asking God to reconcile apparent contradictions and inconsistencies (Mt 7:7-8) so we may live according to knowledge and understanding. (Pr 4:7)
But we should not be surprised or concerned when others remain skeptical, especially when this is not grounded in objective reality; unbelief is the norm: it is expected. Those who are not seeking truth are already blinded by a love for darkness (Jn 3:19); they cling to lies regardless what evidence is presented. Blind people can’t see light, regardless how brightly it shines into their eyes. They need to be given sight, to be regenerated, quickened. (Ac 26:18)
Trying to determine whether someone else loves the truth as we converse with them may also be inappropriate. If they do love the truth, and if our answers have merit, they will likely continue asking questions. If they don’t like our reasons, and have rational grounds for skepticism, perhaps we need to keep digging and ask them some questions.
Yet our focus should not be debate, but living so others can sense our hope; our joy in Christ should be evident. Hope is attractive in ways scientific, logical arguments aren’t. People without hope may be looking for rescue from the madness of this world. (Ro 8:24)
The more we seek the more we find (Pr 2:3-5), and the better answers we’ll be able to give to the next one who asks. It is a journey, and we must be patient with ourselves and others along the way.