Witness for the Lord
The first place to start witnessing for the Lord is your family. After Jesus healed the demoniac, He told Him, “Go home.” The man said he’d rather follow Jesus around. But Jesus answered, “No. Go home. Go to your friends, tell them what great things the Lord has done for you” (Mark 5:19). Witnessing starts at home.
After witnessing for your family, relatives and friends, seek out all those that come in contact with you. The Lord often puts us in specific circumstances to help those that are searching for the truth. One kind word or a caring act shared at the right time can fall on the good soil and bring much fruit (Matthew 13:8).
After the immediate circle, witness to your community through different avenues like church outreach, volunteer work, literature evangelism, phone calls …etc. The disciples started to witness following Jesus’ command to preach, “beginning in Jerusalem.” And after that, they began to branch out into Judea, Samaria, and finally unto the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
Other than sharing your testimony and the truth, your life example is another powerful tool for witnessing. Some people may refuse to listen to your words but no one can deny the influence of a loving life. Some people may be won to the Lord by observing your good character. “Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
And the toughest but most effective time for witnessing is when you are going through trials. The apostle wrote, “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (1 Peter 4:16). During these times, people will watch your faith, patience and goodness and know that this is not possible except by divine help.
A good example for witnessing by example is the story of Paul and Silas when they were imprisoned for their faith. They were whipped and shackled in prison but they were singing and praising God “and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25). What was the result Paul and Silas’s powerful testimony? The keeper of the prison “fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved…” Then they shared with him the good news of the gospel. And he and his family believed and got baptized (Acts 13:34). That’s the effect of one life dedicated for God (John 8:31-32).
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team
