Sharing a good news story isn't something that many of us struggle with on an everyday basis, but when it comes to telling other people about our faith, we can suddenly find ourselves lost for words. Witnessing doesn't have to be a daunting prospect and because there are so many different ways that we can do it - by treating others with kindness, by practising forgiveness, by speaking out about God's love for us - it's something that we can all practise habitually.
Draw inspiration from the following Bible verses on the importance of witnessing and the ways to do it.
Why we should be a witness
Aside from the obvious reason of wanting other people to know the same peace, joy and love that comes with a relationship with Christ, sharing the gospel and our testimonies is what we're explicitly called to do. The act of sharing our faith isn't just for the benefit of non-believers, other Christians can be motivated by our attitude too.
Romans 1:12 - That is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.
Philemon 1:6 - I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.
Luke 12:8-9 - I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God.
John 20:21 - Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.
How we should share our faith
Witnessing has to go beyond words. Our actions are also an important vehicle for demonstrating our faith and the impact that knowing and loving God, and knowing that we are loved by God has on our lives.
1 Peter 3:15 - But in your hearts revere 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.
Colossians 4:5-6 - Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
James 2:26 - As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
1 Corinthians 10:31- So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Why we should be confident about testifying
For some, preparing to vocalise their testimony fills them with extreme excitement whereas others can become anxious at the very thought of speaking out about their faith. It's comforting to know that we can be a witness in more ways than one but for the times when we need to use our words to communicate, these Bible verses can be a source of encouragement and remind us that we are not alone when we do.
2 Timothy 1:7-8 - For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.
Luke 12:12 - For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.
John 4:26 - But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Romans 8:26 - In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
