Two of my first attempts at sharing the gospel at work decades ago should be titled, “A Tale of Two Conversations.”

The first conversation could not have gone better. The conversation flowed, the transition into the gospel seemed easy, the illustrations resonated, and my coworker trusted Christ. I was convinced that my entire workplace was going to come to faith!

The next morning, I shared with another coworker. That experience could not have gone worse. The conversation was awkward; he seemed bored and distracted, then he finally said, “This sounds ridiculous. I need to go.”

I was devastated! My discouragement was so great that I stopped sharing the gospel for a while.

I wish I had known then what I know now. The things I have learned since that day would have helped me keep going in evangelism regardless of the response of the other person.

Perhaps you are in a similar situation. Maybe the person was indifferent to the conversation, was offended, or even argued or mocked. And the pain that happened then is preventing you from sharing now.

Here are four ways to keep sharing, even after a tough conversation:

1. Make every opportunity a learning experience.

Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance. (Proverbs 1:5, NKJV)

God doesn’t waste our experiences, even the hard ones. After each gospel conversation, I take time with the Lord to reflect and ask: What can I learn from this? I may also debrief with a fellow believer who is active in sharing the gospel.

Some of my most valuable lessons have come from challenging encounters—lessons about God’s providence, ways to answer complex questions, and revelations regarding my pride and other selfish motives in the encounter.

2. Evaluate your thoughts and feelings.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. (1 John 4:1, NKJV)

After a tough conversation about Christ, it is normal to feel frustration, inadequacy, or regret. But not every thought or emotion comes from the Lord—some may come from our flesh or even the enemy. That is why it is vital to take them to God, asking Him to help you sort truth from lies.

A key question: Does this thought encourage me to keep sharing the gospel or to stop? If it pushes me to give up, it is not from God. The enemy’s goal is to silence us; God’s Spirit strengthens us to keep going.

3. Remember that people respond differently.

Now, when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” So Paul departed from among them. However, some men joined him and believed. (Acts 17:32-34, NKJV)

In Athens, Paul preached one message, but the crowd had three different reactions: some mocked, others were curious, and others believed. This is the “parable of the soils” in action—one Sower, one seed, but hearts in different conditions.

The key here is to realize that we will encounter people in different states of spiritual readiness. A negative response from “hard soil” does not mean the next person will not be “good soil.”

4. Keep in mind that a “no” now may become a “yes” later.

Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. (Acts 7:58, NKJV)

Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem?” (Acts 9:20-21, NKJV)

Saul of Tarsus heard Stephen’s message—and watched him be stoned. Years later, that same Saul became Paul, one of the greatest evangelists in history.

Just because someone rejects your message does not mean that they will forever. You may never know how the Lord will use the seed you planted. The Lord may bring back your words to someone’s mind that night, the next week, or the following year. The gospel is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16)—and His timing is perfect.

Conclusion

Do not let a negative experience with one person keep you from sharing with another. Evaluate the experience, learn from it, and leave the results to God, who is “able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20, NKJV)

If rejection has kept you from sharing, you’re not alone. Explore our article on Confronting the Fear of Rejection for biblical encouragement and practical ways to move forward with confidence.