Testimony

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John 4: 42 They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world." (NIV)

This is one of my favorite Bible verses. It comes at the end of the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well. He has confronted her in a non-judgmental way, exposing her sin, and freeing her from a deceitful life. The woman is so moved by Him that she tells all of her neighbors she has met the Messiah. Her testimony is so sincere that they believe her and go looking for Jesus themselves.

When they find Him, they ask Jesus to stay for a couple of days during which He teaches them many things. Many more of them became believers and, at the end of the story, the Samaritan people tell the woman that they no longer believe just because of her testimony; they have heard Jesus for themselves and they, too, personally know Him to be the Christ, the Savior of the world. It’s a beautiful moment in the scriptures and one that must have deeply gladdened Jesus.

That’s what our faith is for; that’s what the church is all about. We are called to lovingly and sincerely share the Good News of Jesus Christ with other people – our families, our friends, our neighbors – in the hope that one day they will personally experience Jesus for themselves. As a pastor, I’ve been privileged to see that happening with all sorts of different people. Each time it occurs, I feel happy and humble – happy because it positively changes their lives; humble because Christ has personally touched their hearts.

So, wherever we go today and whoever we meet, let’s make and take opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, for who knows how many lives will be changed forever by the power of Jesus and His Gospel.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, there are loved ones in our lives who do not personally know You. Grant us perfect opportunities to express our faith to them in non-judgmental ways. Give us the courage to sincerely share our beliefs, so that seeds of faith may be planted in their hearts and minds that one day will grow. In Your Holy Name, we earnestly pray. Amen.