So, what is the problem with those famous words of St. Francis of Assisi—“Always preach the gospel, and when necessary use words?” First of all, those who have researched this say that there is no record of him actually saying this. Secondly, if he did say it, he would be dead wrong. Why? Because preaching the gospel requires words.
The gospel is words. “Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; He was buried; He rose from the dead the third day according to the Scriptures,” and He was seen by many eyewitnesses.” This, the apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15, captures the essence of the gospel. Also, God tells us in Romans 10, “Whoever calls on the Lord will be saved.” Also, the Holy Spirit says in Acts 16, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.”
Dear follower of Jesus, please understand that, yes, we must always be about doing kind acts and showing love in a practical ways to both lost and saved. But, this is the adornment of the gospel, not the gospel itself. When God saved you, according to 2 Corinthians 5, he gave you both “the ministry of reconciliation” and the “word of reconciliation.” You are an ambassador for Christ, “as though God was PLEADING through you, [saying] we beg you in Christ’s behalf, BE RECONCILED TO GOD.”
So, here’s the bottom line of evangelism: Always preach the gospel, and it is necessary that you use words!