Reply To: Evangelism and Follow Up 2024-2025 Discussion Board

[Omininikeipiriye Igani]

In today’s society, many people are caught in religious routines without a true understanding of the Bible’s teachings. Misconceptions and a lack of revelation often result in believers living blindly, influenced by false doctrines and a sense of hypocrisy. As a result, many Christians do not fully embrace the richness of their identity in Christ.
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to speak with a young lady who, despite being a believer, was struggling deeply with guilt. She had recently found herself involved in a relationship that led to fornication. Growing up, she had vowed never to fall into such a trap, but she had broken her own promise. The guilt she felt was overwhelming, and she believed that because of her actions, she could no longer approach God.
I was grateful that she felt comfortable confiding in me, as it gave me the chance to share the gospel in a way that helped her process her emotions and take a step toward healing. I reminded her that her positional fellowship with God as a believer, remained intact despite her mistakes. I explained that feeling remorseful was a good sign—it showed a soft heart that God would not reject. I pointed her to Psalm 51:17, which assures us that God does not despise a broken and contrite heart.
I encouraged her to confess her sins, referencing 1 John 1:9, which promises forgiveness when we genuinely repent. I emphasized that, as believers, we are made righteous in Christ, not because of our own efforts but because of His grace. Too often, we fall into the trap of sin consciousness, forgetting that we are called to live with a righteousness consciousness. This truth, that we are made righteous through Christ’s redemption, is vital for spiritual growth ( 2 Corinthians 5:21).
Before we concluded our conversation, I quoted Romans 6:1, urging her to live a life that reflects her new identity in Christ—consciously pursuing holiness. I was reminded through this experience that evangelism is not limited to leading unbelievers to Christ; it also involves encouraging fellow believers to grow in their faith. Helping her find peace and repentance in this moment was an invaluable experience, and one I will not forget. It reinforced the importance of supporting fellow believers on their journey, offering grace and truth when they need it most.
While the conversation was fruitful, with hindsight, I would have shared more about God’s transformative power to renew our minds and hearts in practical ways, rather than simply focusing on the theological truths of forgiveness and righteousness. Teaching her about how to practically walk out holiness and resist temptation in daily life could have equipped her with a stronger foundation moving forward.