I hope this finds you as you’re starting your morning. I’ve been thinking this week about the treasure and responsibility we carry as believers—the incredible gift of knowing Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life He gives. It’s a gift so precious and so powerful, and yet, sometimes, I find myself holding back from sharing the Gospel as I should.
Isn’t it strange that it’s often easier to share the gospel with strangers—and quite challenging to speak those words of life to people we know and love? Our friends, colleagues, and neighbors—those relationships are so close and meaningful that the fear of their rejection, or what they might think of us, can make us hesitate.
Over the years, I’ve often used the following poem as a way to open that door—to have those conversations that matter most, even when I’m trembling inside. It’s a sobering poem, and it has stayed with me since I first read it as a teenager. Let me share it with you:
My Friend, I stand in Judgment now,
And feel that you're to blame somehow.
On earth, I walked with you day by day,
And never did you point the way.
You knew the Lord in truth and glory,
But never did you tell the story.
My knowledge then was very dim;
You could have led me safe to Him.
Though we lived together on the earth,
You never told me of the second birth,
And now I stand this day condemned,
Because you failed to mention Him.
You taught me many things, that's true,
I called you "friend" and trusted you,
But I learn now that it's too late,
You could have kept me from this fate.
We walked by day and talked by night,
And yet you showed me not the Light.
You let me live, and love, and die,
You knew I'd never live on high.
Yes, I called you a "friend" in life,
And trusted you through joy and strife.
And yet on coming to the end,
I cannot, now, call you "My Friend."
Reading this poem always challenges me to step beyond my fears and remember what matters most. It’s not that we are responsible for someone else’s decision to trust in and follow Christ—that’s between them and the Lord. The Bible says:
“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” – Romans 14:12
“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” — Romans 1:20
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Romans 10:13
These verses highlight how God has revealed Himself through creation—so that all people have enough knowledge of Him to be accountable, even if they haven’t heard the gospel directly from another person. It’s a powerful reminder that while God does call us to share, the responsibility for each person’s choice rests with them, not with us.
Yet God also calls us—commands us—to share His love:
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” – Mark 16:15
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14-16
“…and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you…” – 1 Peter 3:15
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” — Romans 10:14-15, 17
I’m not responsible for anyone else’s choice, but I am responsible to share what I know. That’s why I’ve used this poem, time and again, as a conversation starter—a way to tell someone I care about them enough to get out of my comfort zone, to lay aside my pride and insecurities, and to share the greatest treasure I have.
I don’t want to stand at the end of this life with regrets that I didn’t care enough to speak. What if I find out that, if I had simply asked, they would have received Him? I hope this challenges you, too—not to carry guilt or fear, but to see the beauty of the gift we’ve been given, understand the gravity of its importance, and find the courage to share it with those we love.
Have you ever felt that same hesitation? What helps you to step out in faith? Let’s be brave together, and trust God with the rest. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below—I read every note!
Blessings and love,
Angie
Psa 51:12,13 Spoke to me this morning in my reading which goes along with your devotion. As we joy in our salvation, then we can reach others for Christ. Thankful for my salvation and desire to see friends saved but as you say difficult to know how to approach them with the gospel. Much wisdom needed. Buddy says we are to plant the seed and God will see that its watered. May the Lord help us as the burden is great for souls. God bless your efforts for Him.
Susan