Strong spirits: tell good news!
As a witness, you only need to tell what you actually saw, heard, or experienced.
Have you ever been called to be a witness in a courtroom? If you have, you know that what you are asked for is not your opinion, not your suppositions, but what you actually saw, heard, or experienced. Just the facts.
If you've ever had really good news- a new car. a new baby, a new love- you know how hard it is to keep it to yourself... you can't wait to tell everyone.
These two examples are given to remind us that if we are followers of Christ, we are also called to be witnesses, and tellers of the best news ever. We don't need to know lots of theology. We just need to tell what we ourselves have experienced of God. We need to be ready to lovingly tell the very best news of all- that God loves us, came to set us free, and wants a relationship with us.
"He replied, 'Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see.'" A blind man telling how Jesus healed him. (John 9:25)
"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." Peter the apostle (1 Peter 3:15)
"All this is done by God, who through Christ changed us from enemies into his friends and gave us the task of making others his friends also." Paul the apostle (2 Corinthians 5:18)
Do you know this good news? Are you willing to tell others with your words and your life?
Gary Schwerin serves as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church. He is also the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - subscribe to our daily email so you don't miss any.
