When I became a new believer at the age of 18, I was on fire to share the gospel with just about anyone willing to listen. I was heartbroken when people rejected salvation, and I dreamed of finding a particular pattern for my gospel presentation that would bring everyone to Christ.

Today I'm as convinced about the need for sharing the gospel as I was back then. But now I'm more humble about my evangelistic skills. I also know there's no magic formula. Effective witness requires complete reliance on God, as well as a lot of patience and humility.

In today's passage the apostle Paul adds another important dimension to witnessing to ­others. A powerful preacher, he goes beyond the need for the right words or proclamations. He challenges the Corinthian church to view their generosity as a natural extension of their daily Christian witness. The apostle shows how God can use their monetary gifts for fellow believers to help ­others discover the gift of God's grace and prompt them to give thanks for Christ as well. He also points out that such godly generosity comes as a response to God's gift of salvation.

As we seek to share God's love with others, let us be reminded that our actions often speak louder than words.