If we are to share the Gospel with others, then what did the Lord mean when he said, “Give not what is Holy to dogs, nor cast not your pearls before swine.”? Are we supposed to discern who to share with? I always thought we were to be witnesses to all we meet in life. What did the Lord mean by this?
You’re referring to Matt. 7:6 which says, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.”
In Matt. 7:1-5 the Lord had been warning us not to judge others and to make sure we’ve got our own spiritual life in order before telling other people how they should live theirs.
Unless we’re called to be a public evangelist, I believe we should concentrate on sharing the gospel with those who have expressed an interest in learning about it based on what they have observed in us. Trying to push the gospel on someone who isn’t interested and with whom we have no credibility is like giving something holy to dogs or casting our pearls before swine.
The Lord completed this thought by saying when we ignore His advice we run the risk of having unbelievers ridicule the Gospel (trampling it under their feet) and then accuse us of hypocrisy for not practicing what we preach (tearing us to pieces).
Witnesses testify to things they have personally observed. Our own changed life is our most powerful testimony.