Have you ever received news so good that you couldn’t keep it to yourself? Maybe it was the birth of a child, a long-awaited promotion, or the healing of a loved one. When something truly wonderful happens, our natural response is to share it with others. We want them to celebrate with us, to experience the joy we feel. Yet, when it comes to the greatest news of all—the gospel of Jesus Christ—many of us hesitate. Why is that?
2 Kings 7:9 King James Version
Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king’s household.
The story in 2 Kings 7:9 reminds us of the importance of sharing good news, especially when it has the power to save lives. In this passage, four lepers—outcasts living on the margins of society—stumble upon an incredible discovery. The Aramean army, which had besieged Samaria and caused a devastating famine, had fled in fear, leaving behind an abundance of food, drink, and treasures. At first, the lepers kept this bounty for themselves. But as they sat in their newfound abundance, their conscience stirred: “What we’re doing is not right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves.”
Their realization is profound and deeply relevant for us today as followers of Christ. Like those lepers, we have stumbled upon an unimaginable treasure: salvation through Jesus Christ—a gift freely given, not earned or deserved. Yet how often do we keep this good news to ourselves?
The Weight of Responsibility
The lepers’ words carry a sense of urgency and responsibility: “If we wait until daylight, punishment will overtake us.” They understood that withholding life-saving news was wrong—not just morally but spiritually. Their city was starving; people were dying every day because they lacked what the lepers had found.
In many ways, our world today mirrors that city in famine. People around us are spiritually starving—searching for meaning, peace, and hope in all the wrong places. They may not even realize what they’re missing, but their lives bear the marks of emptiness: anxiety, broken relationships, addiction, despair.
As Christians, we hold the answer to their deepest need: the gospel—the good news that Jesus Christ came to save sinners and offer eternal life (John 3:16). But if we keep this treasure to ourselves out of fear or complacency, aren’t we doing what the lepers initially did? Aren’t we withholding what could save lives?
Why Do We Hesitate?
Let’s be honest—sharing our faith isn’t always easy. Maybe you’ve felt one (or more) of these emotions when faced with an opportunity to talk about Jesus:
- Fear: “What if they reject me or think I’m weird?”
- Insecurity: “I don’t know enough about the Bible to explain it well.”
- Complacency: “Someone else will tell them about Jesus.”
- Doubt: “Does my testimony really matter?”
These feelings are normal; even Moses doubted his ability when God called him (Exodus 4:10). But here’s the truth: God doesn’t call us to be perfect messengers; He calls us to be faithful ones. The power of the gospel doesn’t rest on our eloquence or knowledge—it rests on God’s Spirit working through us (1 Corinthians 2:4-5).
Practical Ways to Share the Gospel
Sharing the good news doesn’t have to be intimidating or complicated. Here are some simple yet impactful ways you can start:
1. Live Out Your Faith
Your actions often speak louder than your words. When you consistently show kindness, patience, forgiveness, and love—even in difficult circumstances—you demonstrate Christ’s character. People will notice something different about you and may even ask what motivates you.
2. Share Your Story
Your personal testimony is one of your most powerful tools for evangelism. You don’t need a dramatic conversion story; simply share how Jesus has transformed your life—how He’s given you peace in trials or hope in uncertainty.
3. Be Intentional in Conversations
Look for natural opportunities to bring up your faith in everyday conversations. For example:
- When someone shares a struggle they’re facing, offer to pray for them.
- When discussing current events or personal challenges, share how your faith gives you perspective.
- Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think about faith?” or “Do you ever wonder about life’s purpose?”
4. Use Resources
Sometimes it helps to have tools on hand, such as a favourite Bible verse or a book that explains Christianity (like Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis). You could also invite someone to church or a small group where they can explore faith in a welcoming environment.
5. Pray for Boldness
In Acts 4:29-31, early Christians prayed for boldness in sharing God’s word—and He answered! Ask God daily for courage and opportunities to share His love with others.
A Message for All
It’s important to remember that God can use anyone—regardless of their background or circumstances—to share His message of hope. The lepers in 2 Kings 7 were societal outcasts with no status or influence. Yet God used them as instruments of salvation for an entire city.
Similarly, you don’t need to have all the answers or be free from struggles to share your faith. In fact, your honesty about your imperfections can make your testimony even more relatable and powerful. People don’t need polished answers; they need authenticity—they need to see how God’s grace meets us in our brokenness.
A Call to Action
As you reflect on this passage from 2 Kings 7:9 today, ask yourself:
- Who in my life needs to hear this good news?
- What’s holding me back from sharing it?
- How can I take one small step toward being more intentional about evangelism?
Remember that sharing the gospel isn’t about pressure or performance—it’s about love. It’s about caring enough for others that you want them to experience the same joy and freedom you’ve found in Christ.
Read More About This Devotional
Words of Wisdom: To Provide: Reflecting God’s Heart Through Generosity
Quote of the Day: Love Without Regrets, Live Without Excuses: A Reflection on Today’s Quote
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Forgive us for the times we’ve kept this good news to ourselves out of fear or complacency. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may boldly and lovingly share Your message with those around us. Open our eyes to see opportunities today where we can be Your hands and feet in a hurting world. Use us as instruments of Your grace so that others may come to know You and experience Your abundant life. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Scripture Reading for the Day
Psalms 18 King James Version
I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
4 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.
5 The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.
6 In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
7 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.
8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.
10 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.
11 He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.
12 At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.
13 The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.
14 Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.
15 Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.
16 He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.
17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.
18 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay.
19 He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
20 The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
21 For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
22 For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me.
23 I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.
24 Therefore hath the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.
25 With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;
26 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.
27 For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.
28 For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
29 For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
31 For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?
32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
33 He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.
37 I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.
38 I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.
39 For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.
40 Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.
41 They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the Lord, but he answered them not.
42 Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.
43 Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me.
44 As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.
45 The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.
46 The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
47 It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.
48 He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
50 Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore
