DAILY DEVOTIONAL FROM PASTOR WESLEY May 18, 2022
Joyful Witness
Christians are called to be witnesses for Christ, meaning that we openly share the good news with the world.
What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life-- and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us-- what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. 1 John 1:1-4
Christians are called to be Jesus’ witnesses (Acts 1:8). This doesn’t mean we need eloquence or charisma in order to explain the good news to others. A witness is simply someone who testifies to what he has seen, heard, or experienced. That’s what John did in the opening of his letter. He shared his first-hand knowledge of having been with Jesus and how that made his joy complete.
If you’ve ever shared the gospel with someone who gladly accepted Christ as Savior, you’ve probably experienced fullness of joy. Yet even if your message was not received by the other person, there’s a joyful satisfaction in carrying out Jesus’ command to tell others about Him. But if your main concern is how you are viewed, there will be no elation. Instead of rejoicing in the opportunity, you’ll likely be critiquing your explanation of the gospel.
Witnessing is not a matter of persuasiveness or verbal skill. Rather, it’s an overflow of your love for Jesus Christ, along with a desire to invite people to know Him. As you allow the Holy Spirit to increasingly express His life and power through you, your joy will overflow and touch others.
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