How Much Do You Have to Hate Someone?

Penn Jillette is a professional magician, author, musician, and occasional entertainment personality who is also a very outspoken atheist.  His book God, No!  Signs You May Already Be An Atheist and Other Magical Tales has been described as the “athiest bible” by reviewers.

A few years ago, Jillette posted a short video of himself online where he recounts an experience with a Christian. This is a video that every believer needs to watch.

“I’ve always said that I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there’s a heaven and a hell, and people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life, and you think that it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward—and atheists who think people shouldn’t proselytize and who say just leave me along and keep your religion to yourself—how much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?”

The first time I saw this video, I was convicted like never before.  It’s common for Christians to be told that if you share your beliefs you are being disrespectful.  What many people don’t realize, however, is that professing and evangelizing aren’t some check list obligations that Christians go through.  The entire focus of proselytizing is about love!  

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

The next time you start making excuses to not share the Gospel with someone, take a moment and ask yourself a question.  How much do I hate this person to not share the good news?  And remember, you can do your part to fulfill the Great Commission!