I Witness: Part Two
The Power of Witnessing: Bringing Christ to the World Around You
In a world hungry for hope and purpose, each of us holds the power to make an eternal impact. Witnessing isn't about perfection or theological knowledge; it’s about genuinely sharing God's love with others. Jesus has called every believer to be His witness, to carry His light into the world and show others the joy, peace, and transformation He offers. This post explores the call to witness, how to balance worship and outreach, and practical steps to reach the unchurched, helping us fulfill our role as the salt and light of the world.
Two Chairs: Worship and Others
Within the church, there are two metaphorical chairs that believers sit in—the Worship Chair and the Others Chair. Worship focuses on drawing near to God, while the Others Chair focuses on those around us who may not know Him yet. Our witness flows from worship; when we genuinely engage with God, we’re empowered to impact others.
Psalm 34:3 reminds us, “Come, let us magnify the Lord together; let us exalt His name together.” Worship fills us up so we can pour out love and grace to others. When we’re aware of both chairs, our worship extends beyond ourselves, becoming an invitation to others to experience the presence of God. We worship to grow closer to Him, and through that closeness, we’re compelled to reach out and welcome others into His love.
Jesus' Love for the Least and the Lost
Jesus was known for reaching out to those on the fringes—those society overlooked or cast aside. He showed special care for the least and the lost, exemplifying what it means to love sacrificially and unconditionally. When we witness to others, we embody this love, moving beyond our comfort zones to reach those who may feel disconnected, lonely, or broken.
In Luke 15, Jesus shares parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, each one illustrating God’s desire to reclaim and restore the lost. Like Jesus, we are called to love those who may be struggling, marginalized, or in need of grace. This love transcends personal opinions or disagreements; it’s a reflection of God’s heart for all people.
Understanding the Unchurched: The Need for Authentic Witnesses
Statistics reveal a growing number of unchurched individuals, with only about 20% of Americans attending church regularly. Surprisingly, many people are open to exploring faith but have found that they’re seeking something real and authentic, not just tradition or formality. In fact, 91% of the unchurched report that they’re looking for genuine, meaningful experiences when they visit a church.
This insight challenges us to create a welcoming, sincere environment for those who may be walking through church doors for the first time. People want to see a faith that speaks to their struggles and questions, a faith that doesn’t pretend to be perfect but offers hope and transformation. When we reach out with kindness, acceptance, and honesty, we open doors for others to encounter the power of Christ.
Salt and Light: Your Impact Matters
Jesus describes His followers as the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” in Matthew 5:13-14, signifying our role in preserving truth and shining in dark places. Salt enhances flavor, preserves, and prevents decay, while light reveals, warms, and brings clarity. In the same way, our presence and actions in our communities should reveal God’s love and slow the spread of spiritual decay.
Wherever God has placed you, your impact matters. Your workplace, school, neighborhood, and family are mission fields where you can influence others simply by living out your faith. When we show kindness, serve selflessly, and respond with grace under pressure, we become salt and light, demonstrating God’s goodness in tangible ways. Even small acts, like a kind word or a listening ear, can have lasting effects in someone’s life.
Practical Steps for Reaching Others
Being an effective witness doesn’t require grand gestures or public speaking; it’s about consistently showing love and being available for God to use in simple ways. Here are some practical steps to reach others and share your faith:
Start with Prayer
Pray for specific people in your life who don’t know Christ. Ask God to open doors for conversations, soften hearts, and give you the words to say. Prayer not only invites God’s presence into situations but also opens our hearts to see people as He sees them.Show Genuine Interest
Listen well and show kindness. People respond to those who are genuinely interested in their lives. Rather than immediately sharing your beliefs, take time to understand their perspectives, struggles, and hopes. Building a genuine relationship often opens natural paths for sharing the love of Christ.Share Your Story
Witnessing doesn’t require memorizing long passages or complex doctrines; it’s simply sharing your story. How has God transformed your life? What has He done in your heart? A personal testimony is powerful because it’s real, relatable, and irrefutable. 1 Peter 3:15 encourages believers to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”Extend Invitations
Invite friends, family, or coworkers to attend church with you. Extend the invitation casually and without pressure. You can also encourage them to join small groups or events that may be less intimidating than a Sunday service. Sometimes, a single invitation can change a person’s life.Be Consistent and Authentic
Let your faith be visible in your everyday actions. The unchurched are often more impressed by how you live than by what you say. Integrity, kindness, and humility reflect Christ far more effectively than words alone. Consistently showing Christ’s love makes a lasting impression and speaks volumes about the God you serve.Offer Help and Encouragement
Serve people in practical ways—offer help when they’re struggling, be a source of encouragement, and celebrate their successes. Whether it’s through acts of service or simply being a friend, you are embodying Christ’s compassion. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
The Eternal Impact of Witnessing
Ultimately, witnessing is about inviting people into a relationship with Jesus, the only One who can offer them eternal hope and peace. In John 14:6, Jesus states clearly, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Our role is to point others toward Him, to share the good news that He is the way home to God.
As you embrace the call to be salt and light, remember that each step you take, each prayer you pray, and each act of love you show makes an impact for eternity. When we choose to witness, we become part of God’s great mission to redeem and transform lives. Let’s be bold in our faith, intentional in our actions, and steadfast in our love, knowing that through our witness, we are bringing others closer to the heart of God.
Consider the “Others Chair” in your life—the people you know who may not yet know Christ. Pray for them, build relationships, and look for small ways to show God’s love. By living out the gospel and inviting others to experience Jesus, you’re not only changing lives but also fulfilling your calling as a witness.
