Testimony and Toleranceনমুনা

How to Witness (1)

Knowing what we believe

It is difficult to explain to others what we do not understand well. We must make it our goal to keep learning while on this earth. The apostle Paul, near the end of his life, asked Timothy to bring him books, especially the scrolls (2 Timothy 4:13). These were probably copies of the Scriptures. Through this example, he could encourage Timothy: Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers (1 Timothy 4:16).

Sunday School is not just for children! It is essential to keep an eye on how the eternal truths of the Bible apply to our times as customs, fashions, and thoughts change. To make these truths known and understood by others, we need to know and comprehend them ourselves.

Know what others believe

We should not aim to become experts in comparative religion or modern sociology but rather attempt to comprehend the broad outlines of the thinking of the people to whom we are witnessing. This also means listening, not only to have the right to speak (Proverbs 21:28) but also to avoid falling into clichés about what a person believes.

In a famous phrase attributed to George Bernard Shaw, the British and Americans are said to be "two peoples divided by a common language"! To avoid misunderstandings in communication, it's crucial to understand the meaning people attach to our words and theirs.

Prayer will help us in this. Paul asked from prison for prayers that he might find the right words to communicate the gospel: Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should (Colossians 4:4). He also counseled the Colossians: Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone(Colossians 4:6). The Holy Spirit will give us the right words for every single person and situation.