Use words but only if necessary

It's not unusual for folks to hesitate to tell others about the resurrection of Christ. We are timid to encapsulate our faith, sometimes, with the Easter acclamation:

Christ is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!

I suppose there as many reasons for that timidity as there a people walking the path of faith. Somehow words which point to a mystery pale in comparison to the intensity of what they are attempting to express. Perhaps the gap between the words and the certainty of our faith generates awkwardness....and then, we become silent/speechless.

Some encouraging and empowering news was spoken long ago by St. Francis of Assisi: "Preach the Gospel at all times--if necessary, use words!" This saint's counsel unravels any excuse you will offer to justify hesitation to be an active messenger of the Easter News.

The power and the promise of the Gospel is embedded in your heart. When you trust the Gospel message (even in the midst of any doubts or fears you may have) your actions emerge as a testimony that points others to Christ. As a result of your desire and your intention to center your focus upon Christ, you are grounded in Him....rooted in Him, as if a tap root or anchor was securing and directing your life in the midst of all that comes your way.

It doesn't matter whether the "others" know anything about Jesus or not.... when you are rooted in Christ, the way you are in their presence will serve as a response to any questions or curiosity they may have about Jesus, Christianity, and why "we" behave as we do. As a result, all that you DO, even the way you walk through the world addressing your own personal situations, will proclaim the news that Christ is risen from the dead!

ps.... perhaps the "other" will wonder so much about why you are the way you are that he/she will ask you, How can this be? If so....use words, but only if necessary. Extending your hand to welcome them into the fellowship may be even more effective than ANY words you can speak!