Good morning. Testimony: 1) a formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court of law. 2) a public recounting of a personal experience of conversion or actions as a part of that person’s religious faith.
Those are the two definitions given for the word testimony. In both cases, it comes down to proclaiming for the record information about something a person has experienced.
When John begins his letters to the churches he begins with words of his personal testimony: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:1-7
Whether he was writing words to be read by Christian brothers and sisters, or if he would have been writing to inform a court of what he knew to be true, those words are John the apostle’s personal testimony.
Please note that he claims that by writing these words his joy is made complete. If he would have refrained from sharing those words of testimony it would have been a weight upon his soul that would have robbed him of the joyful blessing God provides.
What would be your words of testimony today? Do you think that because your personal life has not been as dramatic as one of the apostles, or even of one of the evangelists who have served the Lord in more recent times, that your words of testimony are not valid or interesting? That is simply not true!
Each of us has a story of faith. Each of us could share of ways that God has blessed us and guided us through difficult times. Each of us could share what God is doing in and through us. If we would take some moments to consider, what would be our words of testimony? Do we desire to have our own joy made complete by sharing such words?
Please do take some moments to consider those words. Someone you know needs to hear those words. Perhaps many people would be blessed to know more of your story, your testimony. The only question is whether you will find the words and share them.
Vern