At what point do we become responsible for talking against leaders like Trump?

[1Tonne]

I don't watch Fox News much. They are too biased and lie too much. The local channel is owned by Fox but are independent of influence.

Try watching the White House Press Briefings. They can be really good to watch.

Incorrect. We need to repent and be filled with his Holy Spirit and learn how to love as God called us to. It is not man which spreads the Gospel. It is the Holy Spirit which lives within God's children that delivers the Gospel message.

You are wrong. The Gospel is a message. The message is that we have sinned and fallen short of His standards, and even though we are not worthy, God sent His son to die in our place for our sin. And so now, those who believe in Him and honour Him can have everlasting life as a free gift. (Read 1 Cor 15:1-4)
How do you expect to tell someone this message of the Gospel without using words? Showing love towards others is good, but the Gospel is a spoken message. It is not our actions, but our actions will substantiate what we say.
Read Romans 10:14. "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?"
We speak out the Gospel, and the Holy Spirit then works through the message (Which is the Gospel).

The Gospel is the most important message we can speak because the Gospel has the power to change hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. And then people may believe and have everlasting life. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation.

Jesus didn't call all to be preachers. There is an order within God's Church, and we should search the Spirit to find our calling. "I was called into faith". So I follow God and believe.

You're right that not everyone is called to be a formal preacher or pastor—God gives different roles within the Church (Ephesians 4:11). But Scripture makes it clear that every believer is called to share the Gospel in some way. In Mark 16:15, Jesus told His followers, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” That wasn't limited to church leaders—it was a call to all disciples.

If we truly believe in Heaven, Hell, judgment, and Christ’s sacrifice, how can we stay silent? Imagine a blind person walking toward a cliff. If you saw them, you would yell and warn them. To say nothing would be unloving and a blatant disregard for the life that God has made. In the same way, if we know the truth about eternity and don’t warn others, we’re failing in love. That’s not just a missed opportunity—it’s a serious neglect of the very heart of the Gospel.
Even human courts recognise this kind of injustice. There's a law called “Depraved Indifference,” where someone who could have warned or acted to save a life but chose not to is held guilty. If man’s court recognises that kind of injustice, how much more would a holy and just God recognise the injustice of us not warning others about eternal death?
James 4:17 says, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” If we know people are perishing without Christ, and we say nothing, that silence matters.

We may not all be on a stage or in a pulpit, but we all have a voice. Let’s use it—out of love for our neighbour. The Spirit will help us if we’re willing.

"Often individuals will say, “I am willing to go, should God call me to go, in the meantime, I am going to stay.” What we need to do is go, but be willing to stay if God calls us to stay. God has already called us to go." Mark Spence

"If the stars in the heavens who do not have a mouth will speak of His greatness night after night. How much more should we who have mouths tell others of His great love?" Me

"It's easy to take a stand on something if there's no risk involved. It's easy to give a quarter to a poor man if you keep a dollar for yourself. It's easy to take a stand against the war so long as nobody asks you to make a real sacrifice. Likewise, it is easy to be a Christian as long as we do not have to tell strangers the Gospel." Unknown

"Our lack of proclamation evangelism gives the unbeliever reason to doubt that our God is real. If you saw a house on fire with people trapped inside, you'd shout, knock, do anything to alert them—because you believe the danger is real and urgent. You wouldn’t stand by silently and let their death be on your conscience.
In the same way, if we truly believe that those without Christ face eternal punishment, then love and conviction should compel us to warn them. We would speak with urgency, not delay. Our actions—or inactions—reveal the depth of our belief.
Tragically, when we stay silent, it sends a message. The lost see our indifference and rightly question whether we ourselves believe what we claim. The absence of bold, loving proclamation weakens our witness and dims the light we’re meant to shine."

 

[Laodicean60]

Are you from Russia? Russia started the war by invading Ukraine.

What kind of question is this?

Look, all world leaders, when interacting with their neighbors, should opt for peace first. God warned us what mankind is going to do to themselves instead of loving their neighbors, today it's hating their neighbors, this concept is so easy that a child can understand it. Look around the world, it's not God causing all the strife, it's man, and can't you sense the spiritual darkness consuming the world?

So, no, I'm not Russian, I'm a patriotic American who was raised during a time when Russia was a real threat and our main adversary, and I was groomed to fight communism and even joined the Army to do my duty to fight if need be.

But mankind is dumb, and it'll take a major crisis before we turn our weapons into plowshares, do you believe?

 

[Yarddog]

Try watching the White House Press Briefings. They can be really good to watch.

Now that's funny. They kick real journalists out because they ask tough questions. Leavitt lies has no clue what the law says.

You are wrong. The Gospel is a message.

Where did I say that it isn't?

The message is that we have sinned and fallen short of His standards, and even though we are not worthy, God sent His son to die in our place for our sin. And so now, those who believe in Him and honour Him can have everlasting life as a free gift.

That's part of it.

How do you expect to tell someone this message of the Gospel without using words?

Hug them. Hold them and show that you love them. Those the are filled with God's Holy Spirit can work miracles with a loving touch.

Showing love towards others is good, but the Gospel is a spoken message. It is not our actions, but our actions will substantiate what we say.

You have to start somewhere. Allowing God's Spirit to fill the room opens the ears of those who won't listen.

Read Romans 10:14. "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?"
We speak out the Gospel, and the Holy Spirit then works through the message (Which is the Gospel).

The message is love.
John 3:16
James 1:27

You're right that not everyone is called to be a formal preacher or pastor—God gives different roles within the Church (Ephesians 4:11). But Scripture makes it clear that every believer is called to share the Gospel in some way.

Isn't that what I've been saying?
"Love God" "Love your neighbor" "Love your enemies"

 

[Yarddog]

What kind of question is this?

You said "the divisiveness in my country and allowing the Ukraine war to start."

The only country that allowed the Ukraine war to start was Russia.

Look, all world leaders, when interacting with their neighbors, should opt for peace first.

And they tried but Putin wouldn't listen to the United Nations.

God warned us what mankind is going to do to themselves instead of loving their neighbors, today it's hating their neighbors, this concept is so easy that a child can understand it.

Trump doesn't get it. Putin doesn't get it.

How can one say that they love their neighbors but threaten to invade them if they don't obey one's demands? How can one say that they love their neighbors but refuse to give them a safe place to live?

Look around the world, it's not God causing all the strife, it's man, and can't you sense the spiritual darkness consuming the world?

Yes. People who call themselves children of God refuse to love as God called us to love.

So, no, I'm not Russian, I'm a patriotic American

Patriotic Americans embrace the whole US Constitution, not just the parts they want. Patriotic Americans defend the rights of those they may disagree with. Patriotic Americans defend the Constitution against those that try to subvert its authority.

But mankind is dumb, and it'll take a major crisis before we turn our weapons into plowshares, do you believe?

Yes.

 

[Laodicean60]

You said "the divisiveness in my country and allowing the Ukraine war to start."

The only country that allowed the Ukraine war to start was Russia.

And they tried but Putin wouldn't listen to the United Nations.


Trump doesn't get it. Putin doesn't get it.

How can one say that they love their neighbors but threaten to invade them if they don't obey one's demands? How can one say that they love their neighbors but refuse to give them a safe place to live?


Yes. People who call themselves children of God refuse to love as God called us to love.

Patriotic Americans embrace the whole US Constitution, not just the parts they want. Patriotic Americans defend the rights of those they may disagree with. Patriotic Americans defend the Constitution against those that try to subvert its authority.

Yes.

I get it, bad Trump, no use talking, you'll have to learn history and including the negotiation before the war. You first have to get your mind out of the left-wing box. Read more about NATO encroachment and the Minsk 2 agreement, and try to put aside your hate for Russia. Ukraine wanted war with Russia, and the West obliged.

 

[Fantine]

They have changed significantly since Reagan. They are doing things that wouldn't have been possible 40 years ago.

The Democrats have, as well.

The difference is now they have a President that is a criminal. He has no respect for the US Constitution. He has no respect for the rule of law. He thinks that the office is the highest office instead of equal, in authority.

Biden was removing more illegal immigrants than Trump has, this year. But, he did it legally. Trump has been removing them illegally, which makes him worse than many that he is removing.

Hopefully God will convict you for bearing false witness against a child of his.

Incorrect. We need to repent and be filled with his Holy Spirit and learn how to love as God called us to. It is not man which spreads the Gospel. It is the Holy Spirit which lives within God's children that delivers the Gospel message.

Jesus didn't call all to be preachers. There is an order within God's Church, and we should search the Spirit to find our calling. "I was called into faith". So I follow God and believe.

It's not the lack of preaching. It's the way the preachers interpret God's word.
Not the prosperity Gospel hucksters.
Not the Christian nationalists.
Not the religious right.
We have just lost a bright light pointing the way to Jesus--Pope Francis. May the conclave emerge with another Saint for our times.
And God bless the leaders of every faith who live the Gospel and preach it courageously.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

As long as we try to really be objective, just and concerned about the common good we will always feel, at least a bit, compelled to speak out in challenge of both the right and the left. Of course when one side holds the majority of power they are the primary ones under the microscope, and rightfully so.

 

[Yarddog]

I get it, bad Trump, no use talking, you'll have to learn history and including the negotiation before the war.

I'm up on those negotiations. I've been doing this for a long time.

You first have to get your mind out of the left-wing box.

It's never been there. Get yours out of the right wing box.

Read more about NATO encroachment and the Minsk 2 agreement, and try to put aside your hate for Russia.

I don't hate Russia. I am a Holy Spirit filled Christian and the Spirit leads me to love all.

What encroachment, by NATO, do you refer to. Supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression?

Ukraine wanted war with Russia, and the West obliged.

Russia wanted war with Ukraine and the west has helped a sovereign nation defend itself.

 

[1Tonne]

Hug them. Hold them and show that you love them. Those the are filled with God's Holy Spirit can work miracles with a loving touch.

Have you got a bible verse that shows when you hug someone you are sharing the Gospel?

Isn't that what I've been saying?
"Love God" "Love your neighbor" "Love your enemies"

Yes, you're absolutely right—loving God, our neighbours, and even our enemies is at the heart of the Christian life. That’s foundational. But love isn’t just a feeling—it’s action. And one of the clearest expressions of that love is sharing the Gospel.
When we say we love someone, we naturally want what's best for them. If we truly believe that salvation through Christ is the only way to eternal life, then telling others about Him becomes one of the most loving things we can do.
So, while we agree on the importance of love, I’m simply pointing out that proclaiming the Gospel is one of the ways that love becomes visible and active. As Romans 10:14 says, “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
Sharing the Gospel isn’t opposed to love—it’s one of its clearest forms.

Penn Jillette is one of the head atheist from America. And even he recognises that lack of love that Christians show to unbelievers. He said:
"If you know of everlasting life, and you know of everlasting death, how much do you have to hate somebody to not tell them of it?" Penn Jillette
Love your neighbour and speak.

Jesus said to go and preach the Gospel to all creation.
Acts 1:8 says that we were given the Holy Spirit so that we would be His witnesses to all the ends of the earth. So, we will tell many people about Him. The Holy Spirit gives us the desire, ability and strength to go and do this. You will see in Acts 2, that they received the Holy Spirit, and then they spoke of God. They spoke so clearly that people from other nations even understood them. But then you have other verses in the bible where it says that the Holy Spirit was given, and then people spoke. It happens time and time again. The Holy Spirit fills people, and they speak of the great things God has done. Acts 4:31, Acts 9:17-20, Acts 10:44-46, Acts 19:5-6, Matt 10:19-20, Luke 12:11-12, 2 Peter 1:21, Luke 4:18-19, and more. The Holy Spirit was given so that we would have a boldness, clarity, ability, strength and a desire to share the things of God. So, the Spirit was given that we would speak.
Now knowing that the Holy Spirit was given so that we would speak, and that Jesus told us to preach to as many people as possible, Jesus also said this, "The one who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me". So, we who have the Holy Spirit should tell others of God's great sacrifice. By doing this, we are loving God by obeying Him and we are loving our neighbour. It would be unloving to know of God, sin and judgement, hell and grace and not to warn others of it. So, love your neighbour as you love yourself by telling others what Jesus did. Tell as many people as possible, and do not squash the Holy Spirit within you. We know the right thing to do and not to do it, then that is sin. Go tell people of eternal life.
This is love. Give life. Don't make up excuses to keep quiet.

Yes. People who call themselves children of God refuse to love as God called us to love.

God does not want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9) as that would be awful. So, believers need to speak up and stop making excuses as to why they can't.

It's not the lack of preaching. It's the way the preachers interpret God's word.

Really??? Only 2% of believers regularly share the Gospel. That is a massive lack of preaching. Massive.

God bless the leaders of every faith who live the Gospel and preach it courageously.

You are that leader for our times, and so am I. So are every other believer out there. Be bold and courageous. Do not be afraid.

I am a Holy Spirit filled Christian and the Spirit leads me to love all.

Then speak to as many people as possible and don't just let them perish into condemnation.

"We need to pray for our nation like never before, and then put legs to our prayers and preach the gospel to a sin-loving and Hell-bound world. To pray for America and at the same time ignore that command to preach the gospel to every creature, is nothing but empty hypocrisy." Ray Comfort
Likewise, to hug everyone and at the same time ignore that command to preach the gospel to every creature, is nothing but empty hypocrisy.

 

[Yarddog]

Have you got a bible verse that shows when you hug someone you are sharing the Gospel?

I don't need a Bible to do God's work. I follow God's Holy Spirit.

If we truly believe that salvation through Christ is the only way to eternal life, then telling others about Him becomes one of the most loving things we can do.

We need to get people in a place where they want to hear the message. People see what you have and want it. Then, when we speak of the incredible gift they retain it. Living with the power of God's Spirit is incredible. You can explain what the scriptures mean and how Jesus was throughout the OT.

One of the worst things young Christians make is trying to preach too early. They get excited and want to push the Gospel down other's throats, but, if they fall back into sin and people see this, they can cut others away from the truth.

We need to be ready to preach the Gospel. God doesn't need babes, only able to drink milk, to preach the Gospel, he needs fully mature Spirit filled adult who are able to eat meat. Then, when the tough times come, they can sustain and speak only truth.

When I was younger I made many mistakes because I didn't understand God's message fully. Some of what I said was wrong and caused some to doubt. God admonished me but I learned.

I am much more careful in what I say when I witness to those in need.

God bless

 

[1Tonne]

We need to get people in a place where they want to hear the message. People see what you have and want it. Then, when we speak of the incredible gift they retain it. Living with the power of God's Spirit is incredible. You can explain what the scriptures mean and how Jesus was throughout the OT.

One of the worst things young Christians make is trying to preach too early. They get excited and want to push the Gospel down other's throats, but, if they fall back into sin and people see this, they can cut others away from the truth.

We need to be ready to preach the Gospel. God doesn't need babes, only able to drink milk, to preach the Gospel, he needs fully mature Spirit filled adult who are able to eat meat. Then, when the tough times come, they can sustain and speak only truth.

Can you show me one biblical example where Jesus delayed speaking truth about God until people were comfortable or ready? I don't see that in His ministry. Jesus spoke directly—even to strangers, even when He knew it would offend. He shared the truth with Nicodemus, the woman at the well, the rich young ruler, the Pharisees, and crowds of people He had no personal relationship with. And yes, many rejected Him for it—He even said, “The world hates me because I testify that its works are evil” (John 7:7).
Of course, our character matters. We should live in a way that reflects Christ, but waiting until we think someone is "ready" or likes us enough can easily become an excuse for silence. Jesus didn’t wait to be loved to love people with the truth. Real love risks rejection.
Yes, maturity matters—but the Gospel itself is what transforms people, not our polished presentation. Even a new believer can testify to what Christ has done for them (look at the man born blind in John 9 or the woman at the well in John 4). God uses both babes and mature believers, because it's ultimately His power, not ours.

 

[Yarddog]

Can you show me one biblical example where Jesus delayed speaking truth about God until people were comfortable or ready?

I hope that you're not comparing yourself to Jesus. Jesus didn't start his mission until he was about 30 years old. Why didn't he start earlier? He did it when it was time. We need to follow his example.

When the Jews were about to stone the adultness, did he preach the Gospel? No, he bent down and wrote in the dirt. He didn't scold the Jews or tell them not to stone her. He told them to let the one without sin cast the first stone.


Jesus knew exactly what he needed to say to each.

 

[1Tonne]

I hope that you're not comparing yourself to Jesus. Jesus didn't start his mission until he was about 30 years old. Why didn't he start earlier? He did it when it was time. We need to follow his example.

When the Jews were about to stone the adultness, did he preach the Gospel? No, he bent down and wrote in the dirt. He didn't scold the Jews or tell them not to stone her. He told them to let the one without sin cast the first stone.

Jesus knew exactly what he needed to say to each.

I'm not comparing myself to Jesus in terms (Don't even know where you got that from), but as His disciples, we are called to follow His example (1 John 2:6). That includes how He proclaimed truth. Jesus began His public ministry at 30 because that was the appointed time set by the Father (Luke 3:23), not because He was "growing into maturity." From the very beginning of His ministry, He preached openly. He didn’t wait to build relationships first—He declared truth immediately.

As for the woman caught in adultery (John 8), Jesus absolutely did more than write in the dirt—He confronted the hypocrisy of the crowd, exposed their sin, and then told the woman, “Go, and sin no more.” That is Gospel truth: mercy, justice, and a call to repentance. He didn’t avoid the issue—He addressed it with wisdom and love.

Of course, we should speak with wisdom and grace, and yes, God gives us discernment in how to speak to each person. But the idea that only fully “mature” Christians can share the Gospel isn’t biblical. The Samaritan woman (John 4) had one conversation with Jesus and immediately went and told her whole village about Him. The man possessed by demons (Mark 5) wanted to go with Jesus, but Jesus told him to go home and “tell how much the Lord has done for you.” That was his testimony—and it was powerful.

We grow in maturity as we walk in obedience, not before we start. If we wait until we’re “ready” or until others are “comfortable,” we risk never speaking at all. The Gospel is urgent and too important to delay.

 

[rebornfree]

In answer to the OP, I think that debating the issues, rather than attacking the person, is one way. Also getting your news from various sources to balance bias, is another.
Of course bias can be on both sides.

I'm in the UK and things are a bit different here, in that our MPs have free votes on moral issues. It prevents a left-right divide. (In fact it was a Conservative PM who introduced gay marriage.) Also no-one has the same degree of power as has the USA President. Here, 650 MPs debate bills (or as many as turn up), experts are consulted, before a second debate, and then the bill is scrutinised, in the second chamber, before going for Royal consent to become law. That is only a formality as how can one person, even if he is the King, veto a bill in a democracy? Yet it seems that in the USA one person can sign an Executive Order and action is taken without debate. Therefore the debate comes afterwards, fed no doubt by biased media (social and otherwise).

Donald Trump has taken some very unusual steps, at home and on the world stage, which may account for the criticism against him. So back to the OP's question. I think we should speak decently about the person but can criticise the policies, preferably backed up by rational argument. It's a difficult decision to know when some sort of preventative action needs to be taken. As the OP says there have been times when leaders have done atrocious things. Putin is doing that now. (I said Putin, rather than Russia, as I don't know how much the Russian people know about the war or how many support it.)

 

[Yarddog]

I'm not comparing myself to Jesus in terms (Don't even know where you got that from), but as His disciples, we are called to follow His example (1 John 2:6). That includes how He proclaimed truth. Jesus began His public ministry at 30 because that was the appointed time set by the Father (Luke 3:23), not because He was "growing into maturity." From the very beginning of His ministry, He preached openly. He didn’t wait to build relationships first—He declared truth immediately.

As for the woman caught in adultery (John 8), Jesus absolutely did more than write in the dirt—He confronted the hypocrisy of the crowd, exposed their sin, and then told the woman, “Go, and sin no more.” That is Gospel truth: mercy, justice, and a call to repentance. He didn’t avoid the issue—He addressed it with wisdom and love.

Of course, we should speak with wisdom and grace, and yes, God gives us discernment in how to speak to each person. But the idea that only fully “mature” Christians can share the Gospel isn’t biblical. The Samaritan woman (John 4) had one conversation with Jesus and immediately went and told her whole village about Him. The man possessed by demons (Mark 5) wanted to go with Jesus, but Jesus told him to go home and “tell how much the Lord has done for you.” That was his testimony—and it was powerful.

We grow in maturity as we walk in obedience, not before we start. If we wait until we’re “ready” or until others are “comfortable,” we risk never speaking at all. The Gospel is urgent and too important to delay.

I follow Jesus' example. I follow God.

 

[Fantine]

Have you got a bible verse that shows when you hug someone you are sharing the Gospel?

Yes, you're absolutely right—loving God, our neighbours, and even our enemies is at the heart of the Christian life. That’s foundational. But love isn’t just a feeling—it’s action. And one of the clearest expressions of that love is sharing the Gospel.
When we say we love someone, we naturally want what's best for them. If we truly believe that salvation through Christ is the only way to eternal life, then telling others about Him becomes one of the most loving things we can do.
So, while we agree on the importance of love, I’m simply pointing out that proclaiming the Gospel is one of the ways that love becomes visible and active. As Romans 10:14 says, “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
Sharing the Gospel isn’t opposed to love—it’s one of its clearest forms.

Penn Jillette is one of the head atheist from America. And even he recognises that lack of love that Christians show to unbelievers. He said:
"If you know of everlasting life, and you know of everlasting death, how much do you have to hate somebody to not tell them of it?" Penn Jillette
Love your neighbour and speak.

Jesus said to go and preach the Gospel to all creation.
Acts 1:8 says that we were given the Holy Spirit so that we would be His witnesses to all the ends of the earth. So, we will tell many people about Him. The Holy Spirit gives us the desire, ability and strength to go and do this. You will see in Acts 2, that they received the Holy Spirit, and then they spoke of God. They spoke so clearly that people from other nations even understood them. But then you have other verses in the bible where it says that the Holy Spirit was given, and then people spoke. It happens time and time again. The Holy Spirit fills people, and they speak of the great things God has done. Acts 4:31, Acts 9:17-20, Acts 10:44-46, Acts 19:5-6, Matt 10:19-20, Luke 12:11-12, 2 Peter 1:21, Luke 4:18-19, and more. The Holy Spirit was given so that we would have a boldness, clarity, ability, strength and a desire to share the things of God. So, the Spirit was given that we would speak.
Now knowing that the Holy Spirit was given so that we would speak, and that Jesus told us to preach to as many people as possible, Jesus also said this, "The one who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me". So, we who have the Holy Spirit should tell others of God's great sacrifice. By doing this, we are loving God by obeying Him and we are loving our neighbour. It would be unloving to know of God, sin and judgement, hell and grace and not to warn others of it. So, love your neighbour as you love yourself by telling others what Jesus did. Tell as many people as possible, and do not squash the Holy Spirit within you. We know the right thing to do and not to do it, then that is sin. Go tell people of eternal life.
This is love. Give life. Don't make up excuses to keep quiet.

God does not want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9) as that would be awful. So, believers need to speak up and stop making excuses as to why they can't.

Really??? Only 2% of believers regularly share the Gospel. That is a massive lack of preaching. Massive.

You are that leader for our times, and so am I. So are every other believer out there. Be bold and courageous. Do not be afraid.

Then speak to as many people as possible and don't just let them perish into condemnation.

"We need to pray for our nation like never before, and then put legs to our prayers and preach the gospel to a sin-loving and Hell-bound world. To pray for America and at the same time ignore that command to preach the gospel to every creature, is nothing but empty hypocrisy." Ray Comfort
Likewise, to hug everyone and at the same time ignore that command to preach the gospel to every creature, is nothing but empty hypocrisy.

If you want people to be receptive to the Gospel you need to: 1) let them see you love and care for them 2) let them see your inner peace and joy.
I listened to a Baptist teen talk about his mission trip once. They went to an impoverished area devastated by natural disaster. They spent one morning cleaning a beach and the rest of the time coloring with children and teaching them about Jesus.
I was horrified at the stupidity. Children lost their homes and possessions--hungry, homeless, scared--and these privileged Baptist American teens were coloring and telling them about Jesus.
I was so glad that Catholics don't ignore starvation while coloring. Yes I have been on mission trips.
I told this boy. Haiti is 75% Catholic. They know about Jesus. They needed food and help to rebuild.
No words.

 

[1Tonne]

If you want people to be receptive to the Gospel you need to: 1) let them see you love and care for them 2) let them see your inner peace and joy.
I listened to a Baptist teen talk about his mission trip once. They went to an impoverished area devastated by natural disaster. They spent one morning cleaning a beach and the rest of the time coloring with children and teaching them about Jesus.
I was horrified at the stupidity. Children lost their homes and possessions--hungry, homeless, scared--and these privileged Baptist American teens were coloring and telling them about Jesus.
I was so glad that Catholics don't ignore starvation while coloring. Yes I have been on mission trips.
I told this boy. Haiti is 75% Catholic. They know about Jesus. They needed food and help to rebuild.
No words.

We absolutely should care for people in practical ways—Jesus did, and so should we. But caring for physical needs must never replace sharing the Gospel. People’s greatest need is reconciliation with God. We can feed someone today, but if they die tomorrow without Christ, we’ve only helped them temporarily.

We don’t need to spend months building a relationship before sharing the Gospel. That mindset, though often well-intentioned, can delay the very message that gives life. Look at the early church—Philip spoke the Gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch in a single encounter (Acts 8). Peter preached to strangers at Pentecost (Acts 2), and thousands believed. Jesus Himself regularly preached to crowds and individuals without a prior relationship. If they did it, so should we.
This isn’t about being insensitive—it’s about urgency. We don’t know how long people have. After a disaster, hearts are often more open to eternal truths. That’s not a moment to hold back—it’s a moment to lovingly speak.
The idea that we should wait to become close friends before sharing the Gospel often stems from fear. But Scripture says that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). In Acts 4:31, the believers prayed and were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they “spoke the word of God with boldness.” That same Spirit is in us.

Yes, let's serve and love in practical ways. But let’s not forget why we were sent. Jesus said in Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.” That is our mission. We must not get side tracked.

If you’ve never seen someone share the Gospel with both love and boldness in a short encounter, I recommend the Living Waters YouTube channel. They’re a great example of how compassion and truth can go hand in hand: Living Waters

 

[trophy33]

We absolutely should care for people in practical ways—Jesus did, and so should we. But caring for physical needs must never replace sharing the Gospel. People’s greatest need is reconciliation with God. We can feed someone today, but if they die tomorrow without Christ, we’ve only helped them temporarily.

We don’t need to spend months building a relationship before sharing the Gospel. That mindset, though often well-intentioned, can delay the very message that gives life. Look at the early church—Philip spoke the Gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch in a single encounter (Acts 8). Peter preached to strangers at Pentecost (Acts 2), and thousands believed. Jesus Himself regularly preached to crowds and individuals without a prior relationship. If they did it, so should we.
This isn’t about being insensitive—it’s about urgency. We don’t know how long people have. After a disaster, hearts are often more open to eternal truths. That’s not a moment to hold back—it’s a moment to lovingly speak.
The idea that we should wait to become close friends before sharing the Gospel often stems from fear. But Scripture says that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). In Acts 4:31, the believers prayed and were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they “spoke the word of God with boldness.” That same Spirit is in us.

Yes, let's serve and love in practical ways. But let’s not forget why we were sent. Jesus said in Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.” That is our mission. We must not get side tracked.

If you’ve never seen someone share the Gospel with both love and boldness in a short encounter, I recommend the Living Waters YouTube channel. They’re a great example of how compassion and truth can go hand in hand: Living Waters

Regarding sharing the gospel - are we in the same situation like the first church? Who today really never heard about Jesus? And whoever is interested, there is everything on the internet, in the books, some church is basically in every village etc.

Are physical people on the streets shouting the gospel into a megaphone really useful?

 

[1Tonne]

Regarding sharing the gospel - are we in the same situation like the first church? Who today really never heard about Jesus? And whoever is interested, there is everything on the internet, in the books, some church is basically in every village etc.

Are physical people on the streets shouting the gospel into a speaker really useful?

It’s true that most people today have heard of Jesus, but hearing His name isn’t the same as understanding who He is or why He had to die. Many can’t explain the Gospel at all, or they’ve misunderstood it entirely. Sadly, I’ve asked many Christians what the Gospel is, and many cannot answer. Some say it’s Jesus, some say it’s the Bible, others say it’s our good deeds or our friendships. So even within the church, the Gospel needs to be spoken clearly.

Unbelievers often think Jesus came to start a religion, to teach good morals, or to help people be happy, but not that He died to take their place under the judgment of God. That’s the core of the Gospel, and it’s often missing, even among people who’ve "grown up around church."

As for looking it up online—how many people actually do that? Most don’t go searching for truth until someone prompts them, challenges them, or loves them enough to bring it up. Romans 10:14 puts it well: “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” The early church preached on the streets because it worked, and it still does. And we don’t have to preach loudly from a platform. We can simply have a personal, one-on-one conversation with someone we meet.

Street preaching, handing out tracts, or engaging in everyday conversations may not be popular, but they are obedient acts of love. The real question is not whether the method is trendy or comfortable, but whether people are actually hearing the true Gospel. If they are hearing the Gospel, then we need to trust in the power that it has to change hearts of stone into hearts of flesh.

Honestly, when believers start saying “Well, people can just look it up,” it often sounds like we’re trying to excuse ourselves from the responsibility Jesus gave us in Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.” The Great Commission was never delegated to Google—it was given to us.

 

[trophy33]

It’s true that most people today have heard of Jesus, but hearing His name isn’t the same as understanding who He is or why He had to die. Many can’t explain the Gospel at all, or they’ve misunderstood it entirely. Sadly, I’ve asked many Christians what the Gospel is, and many cannot answer. Some say it’s Jesus, some say it’s the Bible, others say it’s our good deeds or our friendships. So even within the church, the Gospel needs to be spoken clearly.

Unbelievers often think Jesus came to start a religion, to teach good morals, or to help people be happy, but not that He died to take their place under the judgment of God. That’s the core of the Gospel, and it’s often missing, even among people who’ve "grown up around church."

As for looking it up online—how many people actually do that? Most don’t go searching for truth until someone prompts them, challenges them, or loves them enough to bring it up. Romans 10:14 puts it well: “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” The early church preached on the streets because it worked, and it still does. And we don’t have to preach loudly from a platform. We can simply have a personal, one-on-one conversation with someone we meet.

Street preaching, handing out tracts, or engaging in everyday conversations may not be popular, but they are obedient acts of love. The real question is not whether the method is trendy or comfortable, but whether people are actually hearing the true Gospel. If they are hearing the Gospel, then we need to trust in the power that it has to change hearts of stone into hearts of flesh.

Honestly, when believers start saying “Well, people can just look it up,” it often sounds like we’re trying to excuse ourselves from the responsibility Jesus gave us in Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.” The Great Commission was never delegated to Google—it was given to us.

So, your reasoning is simply that people are not interested in God enough to do their own research and that is why you think we must still bring the message to them personally, even though they could get the same info in like 5 secs in some AI tool?

I do not know, I kind of get it, it is the same with a product marketing (people could google the product, but they are lazy, so an advertisement must push it to them), but still... it seems to me that when somebody is called by God, he is already interested and active in this area.

I also think that, in the European culture, shouting/selling something on the streets, railway stations etc. is perceived as invasive, disturbing, unpleasant and kind of being "shady", of a low quality or fanatical (if religious). Many people try to evade such interactions