In 2 Kings 5: 1-19, Elisha demonstrates how to share the gospel in a way that we can learn from today. When we think of speaking to someone about Jesus, there are often fears that stop the words before they come out. Sometimes we feel like we don’t know how to speak, or we are not good enough. Sometimes we are afraid of their reaction, or other consequences of our evangelism.

Many of our fears about sharing the gospel are unnecessary: if we follow Elisha’s example, much of the anxiety falls away.

1. Elisha was a devout man of God. If we are consistently growing in our love of God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, sharing the gospel becomes natural in our conversations.
2. Elisha did not depend on his prophetic power. He just had a servant tell Naaman to go wash and be healed by God. We don’t need amazing lives or works to share the gospel.
3. Elisha did not depend on superior intelligence, knowledge, or wisdom. We don’t need comprehensive theology to tell someone about Jesus.
4. Elisha responded according to Naaman’s words. Once Naaman was interested and asking about specifics, Elisha took every opportunity to point him back to faith in God and away from self. As long as we are looking and praying for opportunities, we will recognize them in our normal conversations and be able to take them.
5. Elisha didn’t need to explain the entire Bible or theology of salvation to Naaman. He gave Naaman a single option to respond in faith. Later, when Naaman was interested, he elaborated. We don’t need to force the gospel on people. Beginning a gospel conversation could be as simple as asking them where they go to church. If they say they don’t, then think of the opportunities!

Why was Elisha able to share the gospel and see someone transformed? It had almost nothing to do with him. God did all the transformation and work of salvation. We can trust that he will do that in our conversations, look for those opportunities that he gives us, and respond in faith.

It is not our intelligence, power, wealth, or anything else about us that allows us to share the gospel effectively. It is our prayerful, humble dependence on God.