Francis of Assisi said “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” Or did he? It is a great quote, but there really isn’t much evidence that he truly said it. The statement is an interesting thought, and I might agree with it in a certain context. Certainly, there have been hollow evangelistic words coming from Christians because they didn’t back up their talk with compassionate action. And probably nothing has turned seekers off more than hypocrites who talk about Christ but don’t look much like Him.
But I have heard this statement used lately in contexts to justify not talking to people about Christ. People seem to be saying that they don’t have to say anything because their actions and loving deeds will lead people to the Lord. If we just show enough love in the world, seekers will be moved by our compassion and come to Jesus. In other words, words aren’t necessary.
I don’t think the gospel works that way. Certainly we must be about good acts of justice and compassion. The Bible is clear on that. And we can cite many examples of how good works helped people see the truth. Since I started working for Christian Relief Fund, there is hardly anything I talk about more than the current need for Christians to reach out to the least of this world in concrete acts of mercy. But here is the problem. I now spend most of time helping orphans. As a result, someone might notice me and say that I am doing good stuff with my life. (And it is good to help orphans.) Then they may conclude that I am a Christian by watching me. (And I am.) Then they may make the leap that I am saved. (And I am.) Then it is not a far jump to I am saved because I do good things with orphans. Next they may decide that if they want to be saved and a Christian, they should do similar deeds. It is true that if they want to be a Christian and saved, they should do good things also. (But is that the gospel?)
The problem with this reasoning is that we are saved by grace not our good deeds. If I don’t use words, how will anyone know that my works do not save me? All those works don’t save me. In fact, the message of my life is that I am not good but fallen, and the only way I am saved is because of the good work of Christ. If a person only observed my life, he would never know that I am saved by grace. Grace must be verbalized. You can’t simply observe a life and conclude that someone is saved by grace. You tend to only conclude that they are good or bad, and our works no matter how good they are do not save us. You can only figure out salvation when it is verbalized. Words are necessary.
Peter and John said, “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Francis actually did say “Let all the brothers, however, preach by their deeds.” I agree with that too–in its context. We do preach by our deeds. But our words are necessary too. Grace must by told. We must put in a good WORD for Jesus.
