2 June 2024

WITNESSING FOR CHRIST 2

(Going Forward in Christ: GFIC 22)

The Apostle Peter gives some advice on how we should be witnessing for Christ: “But in your hearts set apart 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 behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” (1 Peter 3:15,16).

He tells us that we should always be ready to give an answer for our faith, so that our witness will be effective. Non-believers will always challenge our faith or be genuinely curious and want to know about our belief. Whichever the case, we need to be ready always to give an answer that will satisfy or refute them. The important thing is to know our faith and Scripture well so that we can give a proper and satisfying answer.

To do this effectively, Peter gives three suggestions.

1. We need to make Christ Lord of our life.
To “set apart Christ as Lord” means to honour Him as Lord in our life and behaviour. What we are speaks louder than what we say. The lyrics of a chorus goes like this: “What you are speaks so louder That they can’t hear what you say. They are looking at your walk, Not listening to your talk. They are looking at your actions every day”.

The testimony of a changed and exemplary life is a powerful weapon in the hands of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul also told his spiritual son, Timothy: “Be an example of the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Our Lord told His disciples, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

2. We need to testify “with gentleness and respect”.
We should never be disrespectful to anyone when we are sharing about Christ. We should not be proud and look down on the person or his religion. With respect comes gentleness, which is the fruit of love and humility. We should never adopt the attitude of “I know better than you” and be rude in the way we talk. Love and gentleness will always win the day.

3. We should always keep “a clear conscience”.
We do not want to have a troubled conscience after the encounter with the person we spoke to. On reflection, we do not want our conscience to prick us because we were not Christlike in our behaviour and conversation. On the contrary, when we showed gentleness and respect, the person we talked to will not be able to speak evil about us and Christianity. Rather, he may even reflect carefully and thoughtfully what we have shared because of our loving attitude towards him. The Holy Spirit may then be able to bring a deep conviction on his heart and convince him that Jesus is indeed Lord and Saviour (1 Corinthians 12:3). 

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