We are all witnesses

Witness...

Testimony by word or deed to your religious faith

A close observer

Someone who sees an event and reports what happened

What does it mean to actively be a witness? To witness?

Think about the definitions listed above. How do we as witnesses to the Christian faith now make witness a verb?

How are you witnessing by word or deed to your faith?

Yes, it often starts by us observing what God is doing in the world and then reporting it to others. But if we all do is witness with words we have missed a vital part of what it means to witness as a follower of Jesus.

Christian witnesses are not only to be hearers of the Word and tellers of the Word. It is essential that we are doers of the Word as well. We must seek to live out the message we proclaim.

In Romans 12:9-21, Paul provides one of the best summaries of what it means to witness to the presence of God in the world...

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-21 NIV)

Notice the first and last phrases in this passage...

Love must be sincere.

Overcome evil with good.

So simple, but yet so challenging. Easy to say, but often difficult to live.

How will you witness to the Kingdom of God? As you seek to live out the characteristics described above, what will you do to embody these characteristics?

God wants us to do more than talk about love. He desires more than telling others how to live. He calls us to follow Him and discover ways in our lives to live out the kind of love and goodness that offers glimpses at the Kingdom of God.

 

shine!
Jason