ur son, Brian, was fast approaching a milestone—his 16th birthday. We had decided to surprise him with a totally redecorated room featuring his favorite colors, artists’ depictions of his favorite sport—hunting—and, most important, a new stereo sound system!

Cheryl (my bargain-seeking wife) had discovered a sale at a major department store 40 miles away. (I wondered if we had used up what we saved at the "sale" by the time we drove there!) They had "just the right comforter" for Brian’s bed.

Cheryl explained to the sales clerk that she had called, and they had promised to hold a comforter for her. Unexpectedly—and rudely— the sales clerk said, "We would never do that! We never hold sales items for customers!" The more Cheryl tried to convince the sales clerk, the ruder the clerk became.

As I was pulling Cheryl toward the door, a second clerk who had overheard the exchange asked Cheryl the details. Cheryl explained how offended she was by the clerk, who had, in essence, called her a liar. This kinder sales person asked for Cheryl’s name and telephone number, and we exited the store with disappointment and frustration.

When we arrived home the telephone rang. It was the store manager. She apologized to Cheryl and explained that the sales person was out of line. She went on to say that the intention of the company was always to underpromise and over-deliver and that they would do whatever it took to meet the customer’s needs. Then the amazing happened. She asked Cheryl if it would help correct the unfortunate altercation if the store gave her the comforter at no cost and reduced the price on the accompanying sheets and accessories. I watched as my wife became stunned and exuberant—at the same time! After that, I heard Cheryl take every chance to recommend the store to friends, telling them how they had done so much more than she ever hoped or expected.

I have thought about that principle often when it comes to sharing Christ. Cheryl "evangelized" (told the good news) because of what she had experienced personally. Her needs had been not only met but also far exceeded. In the same way, we who have come to know Jesus Christ in a personal relationship find Him able and willing not only to meet our needs but to far exceed them.

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians says that He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Philippians tells us that we can do everything through him who gives [us] strength (Philippians 4:13). And when that reality happens in our lives, we want to tell others how amazing and wonderful Christ is.

Telling the good news is born primarily out of relationship. And when that relationship meets and far exceeds our needs, we are compelled to tell others. I am continually reminded that the primary motive for evangelism is a personal relationship with Christ that far exceeds expectations.

I must admit, however, that along the way, I have found there can be more than one motive. In addition to a deep, abiding relationship of love, I sometimes am motivated by others’ expectations and knowing that I should be accountable if they asked whether I have shared Christ lately. Occasionally a feeling of guilt after hearing someone share an incredible witnessing experience has motivated me to talk with someone about Christ. Other times I have been with friends who were focused on sharing Christ, and the positive "pressure" of their peer relationship has propelled me out of my comfort zone into conversation about the One who changed my life.

Whether you have one motive or several: In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).

Bob Reccord is president of the North American Mission Board, SBC, and author of the new book Forged by Fire: How God Shapes Those He Loves (Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000).