ARTICLE – One-Phrase Evangelization

As we build relationships with our neighbours and try to show God’s love with our lives, we sometimes hear about their burdens and challenges, and our hearts naturally move to offer comfort and support. In these moments, sharing an encouraging verse from Scripture can be like offering a light in the darkness.

The beauty of the Gospel is that its truths and power are not constrained by length or complexity. A few words from Scripture, spoken with sincerity and love, can transform a life forever. This is the essence of “one-phrase evangelization”—the ability to communicate God’s Word through brief but inspired words that resonate deeply in the heart of the hearer.

The Power of God’s Word

The Bible itself speaks to the transformative power of God’s Word. Hebrews 4:12 declares, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” God’s Word carries inherent power, requiring no embellishment. Even a single verse or phrase can penetrate the depths of a person’s soul, bringing clarity, conviction, and comfort.

Consider Jesus’ interactions during His ministry. He often delivered profound truths in brief statements. When He told the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven” (Matthew 9:2), it wasn’t a theological lecture but a simple phrase filled with authority and grace that transformed the man’s life. Jesus’ example teaches us that brief, Spirit-inspired words can carry the life and power of the Gospel.

The Importance of Timing and Spirit-Led Speech

One-phrase evangelization is not about quoting Scripture at random but about being attuned to the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 25:11 provides wisdom here: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” The right words, spoken at the right time, can be a treasure to the hearer. This requires sensitivity to the person’s circumstances and needs and an openness to the Spirit’s leading.

Take the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. Though Philip shared more than one phrase, his approach was rooted in Spirit-led timing. When prompted by the Spirit, he joined the eunuch’s chariot and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” (Acts 8:30). This simple question opened the door for a life-changing encounter with Christ. Likewise, we should be ready to respond to divine promptings with words that meet the specific needs of those around us.

Real-life examples

Here are some real-life examples of atheists who became Catholics after being profoundly impacted by specific passages from the Bible:

Jennifer Fulwiler: Jennifer, an atheist-turned-Catholic, found her way to the Church after being struck by the message of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind…”. Her reflections on this passage led her to see the moral beauty of Christianity and ultimately to the realization that it offered answers to her deepest questions about life and meaning. (The Coming Home Network).

Alister McGrath: McGrath, once an atheist and later a prominent Christian scholar, converted to Christianity after being deeply moved by passages in the Gospels, particularly Jesus’ statement in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” His study of these verses led him to grapple with the implications of Jesus’ claims and the truth of Christianity, ultimately bringing him into the Christian faith. (The Coming Home Network).

Francis Beckwith: A former atheist and leading scholar in the field of philosophy, Beckwith’s conversion was significantly influenced by John 6:53-58, where Jesus speaks of the Eucharist. This passage about eating the body and drinking the blood of Christ challenged his previous views and led him to investigate Catholic teachings, eventually guiding him to join the Church. (The Coming Home Network)

Dr. Lawrence Feingold: Dr. Feingold, a medical professional, converted to Catholicism after being moved by the passage Matthew 16:18-19, where Jesus establishes Peter as the rock of the Church. This passage made him reconsider the nature of authority in Christianity and led him to explore the Catholic Church’s claims regarding apostolic succession. His intellectual exploration of Catholicism, combined with encounters with Scripture, ultimately brought him to a personal relationship with Christ in the Catholic Church (The Coming Home Network)

Scott Highberger: Scott Highberger was deeply entrenched in a life of crime, addiction, and despair. At his lowest point, he encountered the verse Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” While in prison, this verse led him to an overwhelming desire for God’s Word, transforming his life. After his release, he dedicated himself to ministry, sharing the Gospel with inmates through a prison ministry. (Catholic365; Christian Post)

Blessed Bartolo Longo: Bartolo Longo abandoned his Catholic upbringing and became a satanic priest during his youth. Overwhelmed by despair and depression, he eventually encountered the teachings of the Rosary and was drawn back to the Catholic faith. His conversion was sparked in part by verses emphasizing God’s mercy and forgiveness. (Catholic365 ; Christian Post)

Mark Wahlberg: Mark Wahlberg, now a devout Catholic, credits his conversion to the power of prayer and Scripture. In his youth, he was involved in delinquency and served time in prison. Turning to the Bible, verses about repentance and transformation, like 2 Corinthians 5:17 (“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”), played a significant role in redirecting his life. Wahlberg has since become an outspoken advocate for faith, prayer, and family (Catholic-Link)

Examples of Transformative Phrases

The following verses address some of the deepest needs of the human heart, offering assurance, hope, and healing.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
“He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
“those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing” (Psalm 34:10).
“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” (Matthew 6:34).
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
“By his wounds, we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
“I am the Lord who heals you” (Exodus 15:26).
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
“The Lord is near to all who call on him” (Psalm 145:18).
“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27).
“Do not be anxious about anything… the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7).
“The battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15).
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
“No weapon forged against you will prevail” (Isaiah 54:17).
“Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

Practical Steps for One-Phrase Evangelization

Immerse Yourself in Scripture

To share God’s Word effectively, we must first know it. Regular meditation on Scripture allows us to internalize key phrases that the Holy Spirit can bring to our mind when needed. Memorize key passages.

Pray for Sensitivity

Ask God to open your eyes to opportunities to speak life-giving words and to give you the courage to obey His promptings.

Be Present

Sometimes, the most profound words come from listening well and understanding someone’s struggles. Being fully present in conversations allows you to discern when and how to speak. Interiorly seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to discern where is the action of His grace.

Rely on And Trust the Holy Spirit

Remember that it’s not your eloquence or knowledge that changes lives but the power of God working through you. Ask Him to speak through you and to use your words, however simple, for His purposes.

Conclusion: The Eternal Impact of Just a Few Words

One-phrase evangelization reminds us that the Gospel’s power is often not in lengthy arguments or complex presentations but in the truth of God’s Word, spoken with love and guided by the Spirit. As Isaiah 55:11 promises, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

The simplicity and power of short bible passages are evident in testimonies across the ages. Every time we speak a phrase of Scripture into someone’s life, we participate in God’s redemptive work. Whether it’s a friend in crisis, a stranger in passing, or a family member in need of encouragement, we should never underestimate the eternal impact of a few inspired words from the Scriptures.

Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work

Email: pierre.alain.giffard@gmail.com

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