Pearls, Swine, and the Art of Sharing the Gospel

Good morning, church family!

Today, we’re going to talk about something that’s often quoted but sometimes misunderstood: “Do not cast your pearls before swine.” Sounds pretty harsh, right? What in the world does that mean, and how does it apply to us as Christians who are called to reach out to unbelievers? Let's dive into this together.

What Does "Do Not Cast Your Pearls Before Swine" Really Mean?

First, let’s break it down. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Don’t cast your pearls before swine,” but have you ever stopped to think about what it really means? It’s found in Matthew 7:6, where Jesus says:

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”

Now, if we’re being honest, this verse can sound a little confusing, and maybe even a bit harsh. But stick with me here, because there’s some wisdom in this warning.

The "pearls" represent precious truths — specifically, the gospel or the wisdom of God's Word. The "swine" represent people who don’t appreciate or understand the value of what you're offering. In other words, casting pearls before swine is like giving a gold necklace to someone who thinks it’s just a piece of shiny junk. They won't understand its worth, and they might even be hostile toward it.

Why Jesus Said This: Discerning When to Share and When to Step Back

Here’s the key: Jesus wasn’t saying to avoid sharing the gospel with unbelievers altogether. No, He’s calling us to be wise and discerning in how we share the message. Sometimes, not everyone is ready to receive it. There are moments when people’s hearts are closed, or when they are hostile to the message of Christ, and you can almost feel it in the conversation.

Think of it like trying to feed a dog a steak. The dog’s not going to appreciate the quality of the meal—you’re just going to end up with a mess and some frustrated feelings.

What Jesus is warning against here is wasting your energy on people who are not only uninterested but actively hostile to the gospel. There’s a difference between sharing with someone who is genuinely seeking truth and sharing with someone who just wants to argue. It’s important to know when to step back, pray, and wait for the right moment.

How Should Christians Approach Unbelievers?

Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, aren't we supposed to share the gospel with everyone?” Absolutely! The Great Commission calls us to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). But there’s wisdom in approaching and engaging with unbelievers in a way that reflects God’s love and wisdom.

Here are a few key things to remember when sharing the gospel with unbelievers:

• Be Respectful: Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3:15 to always be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have, but to do it with gentleness and respect. When we talk to people about Jesus, we should always treat them with the same kindness and respect that we would want for ourselves. We’re not looking to “win” arguments—we’re looking to win souls.

• Use Wisdom: Sometimes, less is more. If you’re in a conversation where the person is not open or is mocking your beliefs, it may be time to pull back. Jesus didn’t stand there and argue with everyone who rejected Him. He often spoke in parables, which only those who were open to listening could understand. Don’t cast pearls before swine—use wisdom and know when to plant the seed and when to step away.

• Live the Gospel: Sometimes, the best way to reach someone is not through words, but through your actions. Live out your faith in front of unbelievers. Be the embodiment of God’s love, patience, and kindness. When people see the peace and joy that comes from following Christ, they will be curious about what’s different about you. This opens the door for more meaningful conversations.

How Can We Help Unbelievers We Love Be Saved?

Now, what about those we love—family, friends, coworkers—who aren’t saved? How do we help them? How do we move beyond just "casting pearls" and into a place where they are ready to hear the truth? Here’s the key: We pray, we love, and we trust God with the timing.

• Pray for them: Prayer is the foundation of everything we do. Pray for God to soften their hearts and open their eyes to His truth. There is power in prayer, and it’s a way of partnering with God in His work of salvation. The Apostle Paul in Romans 10:1 says, "Brothers and sisters, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved." We should have that same heart for those we love who don’t know Jesus.

• Live out the gospel in front of them: Your actions speak louder than your words. Show them the love, peace, and patience of Jesus in how you live your daily life. The greatest thing you can offer them is a life that reflects Christ. When they see the joy and peace you have in your relationship with God, it will make them curious.

• Share your story: Sometimes, people need to hear your personal testimony before they’re ready to listen to the gospel message. Share what Jesus has done for you—how He changed your life, your heart, your perspective. People can argue with theology, but they can’t argue with your story of how Jesus has made a difference in your life.

• Trust in God's timing: You may not always see immediate results. It’s easy to get frustrated when people don’t seem to respond. But we are planting seeds—God is the one who makes them grow (1 Corinthians 3:6). Trust that He is working behind the scenes, even when you don’t see the fruit right away.

  
  

The Bottom Line: Don't Force It, But Don’t Give Up

At the end of the day, we don’t want to waste our energy on arguments that will go nowhere, but we also don’t want to give up on anyone too soon. The gospel is precious, and people’s souls are precious. We need to be discerning and wise, but we also need to be persistent in our love and prayer for those who don’t yet know Christ.

Sometimes it takes time. Sometimes it’s a process. But remember: God desires all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4), and He will use you—your life, your love, your words—to reach those He has placed in your life.

Closing Prayer

Father, we thank You for the precious gift of the gospel. Thank You for Your wisdom in guiding us on how to share Your truth with others. Help us to be wise, discerning, and respectful as we reach out to those who don’t know You. Give us hearts that love deeply, and the patience to trust in Your perfect timing. We pray for the people in our lives who don’t yet know You—soften their hearts and open their eyes to the truth of Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.