This past week I was blessed with the opportunity to teach during a lunch time Bible club at a local San Diego high school. After the lesson, I spoke with an adult in the room who identified themself as a Muslim. They were excited to hear what I had to say as so much of it sounded like what they would hear at a Mosque. I spoke on Mark 1:1–8 and the deep roots of the Gospel of Jesus. Likely, this person identified with the familiar names of John the Baptist preparing the way and Jesus the Messiah coming. Their attitude was that we have so much in common.

Here is where it was uncomfortable. I know the differences between Islam and Christianity and I just couldn’t stop at the idea that we have so much in common. The truth is that we are worlds apart because they do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God. I followed up with acknowledging some similarities (at least in use of names), but that we also have much not in common. I explained that we believe Jesus is the Son of God and they do not. She acknowledged that and said, “We believe God has no Son.”

Here is where it was even more uncomfortable. She needed to hear that our differences place her in a position of judgment. I cited to her the first part of John 5:23, where God calls us to “honor the Son, just as they honor the Father.” Then I shared the end of John where He said (20:31), “but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is…the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” The conversation ended with a Bible translation question where I explained the spectrum and different goals of Bible translations.

Reflecting on this later I concluded that as Christians we have to grow in being comfortable to share God’s judgment with people. Sharing God’s love is preferable, but the world sits under His judgment and they need to know it. They need to know that God is not pleased with them and never will be outside of faith in Jesus Christ. I’m not advocating a Bible thumping session every time you speak with someone. Rather, I’m advocating that we prayerfully and practically prepare ourselves to talk about judgment in our conversations with people.

Speaking about God’s judgment is common in Scripture. Paul’s example with Felix the Governor stands out to me.¹ Luke writes (Acts 24:24–25), “24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” Paul was given an audience with the powerful governor and what did he speak about? Did Paul focus on how God has a wonderful plan for His life? Or how much God loves him? Rather, he focuses on righteousness, self-control, and judgment. I would estimate that Paul was comfortable talking about God’s judgment. He knew it was important and a reality that unbelievers need to contend with.

How do I become more comfortable talking about God’s judgment with the people that I love? Many steps start coming to mind here, but I think one in particular stands out and may be the biggest hurdle—ourselves. Comfortability can happen when you set yourself aside. It is too easy to become consumed with self and begin to spiral in thought. However, getting the focus off of us and onto the person we are speaking with is a game changer. One more thought to consider. Comfortability with anything comes by repetition. The more we read and discuss the whole counsel of God together, including judgment, the easier it will become to talk about it with unbelievers.