“Alight, this week Jordan is sharing his testimony. Next week, Lydia and Zach will go.” Have you heard something similar to that before? If you’ve ever attended some type of Christian small group, you probably have. Rather than fun, break the ice, and get to know each other games, Christians are often asked to share their testimony with the group. This is a lot of pressure for a variety of reasons. Someone may not really know what is meant by their “testimony.” Others may find the details of their life before Jesus too vulnerable to share in an unfamiliar setting. Fortunately, sharing your testimony doesn’t have to be scary or feel like word vomit by sharing the worst and most challenging parts of your life story. There is another way to share your testimony, and it is powerful.
What is Your Testimony?
The most common understanding of your testimony is the story of how Jesus saved and redeemed your life. It is your “coming to Jesus” story in a sense. And that is an extremely important–the most important–part of your story. However, your testimony doesn’t end once you accept Christ. In fact, it’s just beginning because you are living a new life where you’re born again. God continues to move and work in your life, and each time He does is another layer of your testimony you can share with others to share about the hope and goodness of Jesus.
What Does the Bible Say About Sharing Your Testimony?
1 Peter 3:15-16: “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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
Matthew 10:32: “Jesus said, ‘Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.'”
Psalm 22:22: “I will declare your name to my people, in the assembly I will praise you.”
Psalm 66:16: “Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.”
Matthew 28:18-20: “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'”
1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
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.”
How to Share Your Testimony with Others
If you grew up in a Christian church or have attended youth gatherings or small groups, you’ve probably heard someone share their testimony. You may have even been asked to share yours. I don’t know about you, but I find these environments and tasks so familiar in small group settings uncomfortable, intimidating, and not the best way to share your testimony. It’s hard to share your life story thus far in a quick 10-minute session. That does’t even address the fact that most people are not comfortable talking about the intimate details of their life with a group of strangers. For those who don’t mind sharing your testimony in these types of settings, good for you! But for those of you who do, I have good news for you: the best way to share your testimony with someone is to share your life with them.
Share Your Testimony by Sharing Your Life
Sharing your testimony doesn’t have to be this single, ominous event. Your life is your testimony. Your testimony isn’t just how Jesus saved and redeemed you but how He continues to move and work in your life. That means your testimony is never over. When you live for Jesus, it shows to the people around you. When they see the joy, peace, and strength you have, they’ll want to know your secret. And your secret is Jesus. So, tell them!
There most definitely may be a time and a place to share your coming to Jesus story quickly with someone you don’t know. But just remember, that isn’t the only way to tell others about Jesus. How you live your life is another way. Let your light shine. And let your life share your testimony day in and day out.
Do you want to build strong friendships in your life to share your testimony with others? Download the FREE 5-Day Friendship Devotional today!