I once had a teacher tell the class that ministering by our life is not enough. We have to go out and tell people about God, witness to them wherever we are. The teacher then proceeded to tell us a story about when they were on the train, bus, or driving down the road, and ministered to someone. I agree with them; ministering by our life alone is not enough. But where I felt that this teacher went wrong is where they seemed to underestimate, or undervalue, the power of love as a witness of Christ.

As Christians, we have the God-given duty of spreading the Gospel to people around the world. But let’s face it; in this postmodern world of anti-Christianity and ‘do what you want’ mindsets, telling others about Christ is a daunting task. And sometimes, it can have disastrous consequences. The moment you say the ‘C’ word, people build walls faster than Trump trying to keep out Mexicans. They lock up and shut down, blocking out every word you say. And we can’t really blame them; Christians have gained an unfortunately bad reputation as Bible-toting hypocrites that are only looking for ways to judge you and tell you how everything you’re doing is wrong.

That’s why we need to love them. What many Christian circles, and my teacher, don’t realize is that loving people is a far greater ministry than sitting beside them on the bus and asking if they know Jesus. Love should be the new basis for ministry. And while it’s not enough to witness by love alone, it is the perfect (and only) foundation for evangelizing. Here’s why:

First off, living with love makes people notice something different about you. Throughout these reasons, I will be using a personal experience with a friend as an example. Let’s call him Tom. I only interact with Tom online, but we talk often. One day, Tom was really upset. He was telling me about his struggles, how much of a failure he felt, and how he knew that something had to be wrong with him. I encouraged him, told him that everyone feels that way, and I was simply there for him. I showed him love. He seemed incredulous at my kindness, and immediately asked me ‘why are you so loving?’

For a moment, the question took me off-guard. I wasn’t sure how to respond. Then, in the most careful way I could muster, I told him that I love others because Jesus loves me. Well, if his question took me off-guard, then my answer took him off-guard. We ended up entering a discussion about religion, beliefs, and so on.

But right away, with only knowing me for maybe a handful of weeks, Tom had noticed that there was something different about me. I was kind to everyone, I was there to listen, and I was encouraging. In essence, I was loving. In a world of sarcasm, selfishness and manipulation, I stood out from the crowd. Christians who love are immediately set apart and noticed. And, like Tom, that will make people wonder; ‘why?’

Next, love builds a point of connection where there might not be one. Tom and I connected because of the kindness and respect that we showed each other. Our lifestyles weren’t the same, our behavior wasn’t the same (I often tease him about washing his mouth out with soap), but because I was kind to him, he was kind to me, and a friendship blossomed from that. We’ve only known each other a few months now, but we call each other best friends. I certainly doubt that we would have such a connection if I behaved like any Jane off the street (or on the internet).

Another important aspect is that love breaks down walls. Because Tom and I already had a good bond due to the loving nature we shared, when I mentioned Christ and Christianity, Tom didn’t freak out. I could talk freely with him, and he could talk freely with me. We could disagree without having an argument. Mutual respect sprouting from the groundwork of love opened the doors to honest, intimate conversations about religion and God. He didn’t shut me down the moment I said I was a Christian, or the time that I told him he was in need of God, not a girlfriend. He listened, even considered what I was saying, and we could discuss any of his rebuttals. I can almost guarantee that if I didn’t have the basis of love before this conversation, Tom would be out the door faster than the Roadrunner.

Not only does it break down walls, but love changes people. Love creates an unconscious attitude adjustment, not only for the one you’re loving, but also for yourself. When you’re making an effort to understand someone, meet them on their grounds, and show them care and compassion, you find yourself doing that for all of your relationships. It grows patience, widens your understanding, and changes who you are at the very core.

And when that person you showed love to is going through struggles and pain, it’s not a fire and brimstone sermon that they’ll remember. It’s the love you showed. They’ll pick up the phone at two in the morning to call you and tell you they’re suicidal because they remember that you showed you cared. At a person’s lowest point, they don’t remember the condemnation that constantly barrages them. They remember the kindness that one person took time to show them. Because that kindness stood out.

And, last but certainly not least, I have one final reason as to why love needs to be the basis of our evangelizing: Christ. We are called to be Christ-like, to follow in his footsteps and learn from him. Jesus is a wonderful example of love. He’s the one that dined with sinners, prostitutes and tax collectors because he knew they needed love and God. He cared for the people he knew. He wept for his friends. He healed. Jesus loved. After all, Jesus states that the two greatest commandments are that you love God, and love others. If Jesus used love as a basis for evangelizing, then why shouldn’t we?

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, however, Jesus didn’t only love. Once he developed relationships, that was when he taught. He preached, parables and stories that could open eyes. I will admit that love alone isn’t the best way to evangelize. But witnessing without love is a surefire way to turn people off from Christ entirely.

Create a basis of love. Build from there. When you witness by your life and love others, it makes people a lot more interested in hearing what you have to say.

So get out there and love others.