The gospel radically transforms those it touches. For the Christian, preaching the gospel is more than just the words we preach; it’s the life we live. 

Growing up, my wife Cassidy witnessed firsthand the power of the gospel lived out. On one occasion, a lost friend of their family, who was traveling through, asked if he could stay overnight.

After prayer and evaluation, my in-laws knew the Lord wanted them to extend hospitality to their lost friend. They called the man back and invited him to come. During his time with my in-laws, he viewed their family on full display, joining in family devotions, dinner, frisbee, and conversation.

He left overwhelmed. He called back later, telling my father-in-law that he had never seen the gospel presented so clearly as it was that week.

The world is filled with such men and women who are wondering how deep our faith really is. They’d likely agree with the wise poet who observed,

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day

I’d rather you walk with me than merely point the way

The eye is a more ready pupil than ever was the ear

Good advice is often confusing, but example is always clear. 

Truly, the most powerful gospel message is given by those whose lives display the love of Christ. In light of this story, here are five ways in which we can live the gospel every day.

1. A Hospitable Home 

God’s Word commands, “Use hospitality to one another without grudging” (I Peter 4:9) and “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers” (Hebrews 13:2).

Growing up in a family that treasured hospitality, I witnessed firsthand the powerful connection hospitality affords. Inviting people into one’s home allows a greater level of connection not seen in everyday life. Hospitality forces transparency, for there is no hiding family sins. 

When you open your home, your guests will often open their hearts.

2. Christ-Honoring Work

Employees can live the gospel by working “as to the Lord” (Colossians 3:23), submitting to authority (Colossians 3:22), and living above reproach (Daniel 6).

Our words and actions should not mirror those of our co-workers. Rather, our coworkers should see us forgive (Ephesians 4:32). They should see us repent and ask forgiveness when we do wrong. They should not hear any “corrupt communication” proceeding from our lips (Ephesians 4:29).

Lost coworkers will will be much more receptive to the message of the gospel when they see the messenger living it every day.

3. Strong Family Relationships 

A loving, Christ-centered, spiritually healthy family is one of the strongest testimonies in a world filled with divorce, family dysfunction, and abuse. I can’t remember how many times random people asked us, “How do you all get along with each other?”

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). 

4. Small Acts of Thoughtfulness

Look for opportunities to make others feel special. It may be calling the Walmart cashier by name, or thanking the guy who rolls all the carts together for his diligence.

A couple months ago, Denver decided to try out an idea he heard from an evangelist.

After he and a young sibling got their food at Cracker Barrel, they asked the waitress if there was anything they could pray for her about, as they prayed for their food. Denver had no idea that the waitress had recently lost her father. At the end of prayer, she was in tears, and full of gratitude.

5. Christ-Honoring Lifestyles

In everything we do, we should seek to present an accurate picture of what a Christian looks like. The clothes we wear, the music we listen to, the movies we watch, and the activities we engage in can point others to or away from Christ.

We are to “walk worthy of the vocation” wherewith we are called” (Ephesians 4:1). It is a sad reflection on the church that many waiters and waitresses know that they will receive the smallest tips on Sundays.

Living and Speaking

When we live the gospel, we fulfill Christ’s command to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt 5:16). 

In the end, living the gospel never excuses the Christian from preaching the gospel with words. Just as Christ commanded Phillip to witness to a man he had never met before (Acts 8), so God calls us to reach out to lost friends and family, people at Walmart, the gas station, a restaurant, or the mall.

God is calling you to both live and proclaim the gospel. As Ian Thomas noted, “The one who calls you to go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature, is the one, who by your consent, goes into all the world and preaches the gospel to every creature through you.”

Truly, preaching the gospel is more than just the words we speak. It is the life we live.

QUESTION: Does your life preach the gospel every day?