“What’s So Different About These Christians?” — 3 Evangelization Hacks You Can Use Today

To seriously engage in evangelization we have to be provocative. We have to get people to ask why we’re not like everyone else, and then:

“Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15).

Three simple — but not easy — ways to get people to ask why you live differently are to cut out:

cursing (“cussing”) and swearing
gossiping
complaining.

This isn’t just a list of things not to do. It takes a proactive effort to live this way today, and doing so is in itself provocative in a good way.

When you don’t curse or swear, people notice. They start to see that you are all in about being a disciple of Christ. This may draw their attention and lead them to ask questions about why you live this way. Then you can tell them about Jesus.

If there is a conversation where there is gossip, either don’t participate or mention something to honor the person they’re gossiping about, which dissipates the overall gossiping of that person. It also helps others gain trust in you, because they will know you won’t gossip about them either. When they confide in you in this way, it is then much easier to tell them about Jesus.

Not complaining is hard, but it is possible. Complaining is a violence against hope. It’s saying God cannot pull you out of whatever it is you’re complaining about. But:

“We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

If you don’t complain, it’s going to be refreshing for the people around you. If you are a small refuge of faith, hope, and light, this will attract people. And they may ask you how you manage to not complain. Then you can tell them about Jesus.

To live as a disciple of Christ means to live differently. These three provocative but gentle ways to be different, Fr. Mark-Mary has found, are incredibly effective ways to evangelize.

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[Rachel]

"Complaining is violence against hope." What an incredible quote. Thank you, Father!

[ohazeldean]

Could you please pray for me? My cat went missing 10 days ago and he has been with me my whole life...I’m heartbroken. Please pray for his safe return / for me to find out what happened, and please pray that I could give this situation to God. Thank you 🙏🏻

[baseballmomof]

I learned from a dear Mormon friend to always focus on the “good” of other people. It stops gossip in its tracks...

[TheFunfolks]

COMPLAINING is not accepted!!! That's a new one AND makes the most sense Trust in what The Lord is doing in your life!!!! Helps to be on the present !!!!
Thank you, Fr. Mark Mary

[jgil]

I don't have much to say here, but i want to say a prayer for you Fr.

Lord God almighty, you've given us Ascension Presents as a wonderful ministry that reaches out to all of us to spread your love and your Word and we give you thanks for it, we bless your name and in this occasion we give thanks specially for Fr. Mark Mary, that you might reach out with your holy hand and bless His heart that he may continue in this ministry unto your holy Church and the unreached. Bless his vocation and grant us that we may follow your example of love and truth forever, unto eternity, amen.

[avb]

I've experienced this. When I started to stop complaining and live joyfully, people actually started to notice and asked me what's up. Our joy in Christ gets rid of the insecurities, despair, and desire to bring others down

[firstname]

Something I started recently and noticed a change is whenever people around me take the Lord's name in vain, especially our Lord Jesus' name, I'll add, "Blessed be His Holy Name" and that usually stops it...at least around me.

[mikeshockley]

So true. We should have 100% control of our attitude and effort. God bless y'all.

[Ezekiel-]

Complaining is only fruitless and dishonorable when the one(s) doing so are not seeking a resolution to the problem and are not willing to pursue that solution. We can not fix problems that are left unknown, but we should only seek to discuss them in complaint for the right reasons. In Christ, Andrew

[kathaus]

Well said Fr Mark Mary! The blatant blasphemy used is so disgraceful. Constant taking of God's Holy Name in vain! Now they are starting to use the F word with Our Lord God's Name! Heartbreaking!!!

[joshuacoll.]

"Complaining is a violence against hope" - Fr. this is the second time you have blown my mind!

[Amanda-xdic]

Whenever I get frustrated, sometimes I make up my own words that are really ridiculous, and I end up just laughing instead at those words

[lggIII]

I, myself, can and need to work on all three of these things. Thanks Fr Mark for the inspiration to live more provocatively! Great message!

[lilyfeagin]

Thank you Father! What a wonderful life if no one complained! Definitely worth trying- with God's help!
Peace 🙏

[Mimse]

Gossip IS truly evil. We do really have to make an active stand against it - not doing it ourselves and standing up for others who might unfairly be gossiped about. The tongue kills.

[janierodriguez]

Thank you. These are excellent points. I needed to hear this. We need more hope and light. We are capable of doing hard things. God bless you!

[The_lastman]

Glory be to Jesus Christ. Thank you Father.

[FatherRichardGonzales]

Amen, Amen! Thank you, Fr. Mark-Mary for sharing these steps! 👍😀👍

[debraricard]

Wow, complaining is violence against Hope, that's so good and inspiring! It's so good to have these three tips on ways to live radically different in our world.

[bettyangwenyi]

Violence against hope...hang that griping! Yes, indeed, as if God cannot use the situation for the good of those who love him! Amen!