“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8 NLT
Witnessing to Others Through Our Actions
I remember the first time I ever went out to be a witness for Jesus. We were paired with a partner, and the air was full of nervous excitement at the prospect of sharing the Gospel and seeing someone’s life changed for eternity.
We started the morning with a fruit box and hearts burning to lead someone to Christ. The first person we came across was standing on the street corner, staring into the sky. His smile was our invitation to proceed. However, I was unprepared for his sudden and extreme shift in emotion. The man turned and looked at us, and the second our eyes connected, his face filled with anger. He yelled, “Get out of my face! I don’t want to hear it—just get out of my face!” Shocked and discouraged, we turned around and walked back to our group. I remember the feelings of shame and horror that met me after this incident. I didn’t even get to tell the man that Jesus loved him.
I learned that God’s plan for me is more than just walking up to random people on a city street and asking if they know Jesus as their personal Savior. God wants my life to speak loudly of Jesus, so that when I do talk, it serves to further confirm Jesus’ message.
Of course, upon our return to the church, we talked with the pastor about our experience. I learned that God’s plan for me is more than just walking up to random people on a city street and asking if they know Jesus as their personal Savior. God wants my life to speak loudly of Jesus, so that when I do talk, it serves to further confirm Jesus’ message.
It's the opportunity of a lifetime to let our daily actions and speech give glory to God in a way that makes room for the conversation about Jesus (1 Peter 2:12)! What a relief to know we can follow the command of Christ without sacrificing our temperament and dignity. Our obedience to be a witness does not have to look like the local street evangelist toting around a Bible, a microphone, and a portable speaker. We simply need to allow our lives to give testimony to the power and work of Christ in our hearts and minds. Our words should confirm the Gospel and provide those watching or listening with a chance to choose Jesus.
Dig Deeper
1. Read Matthew 5:16. List five ways your daily life can be a witness to those around you.
2. Identify and commit to two things you can do to intentionally share the Gospel and be a witness to the work of Christ in your heart.
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