Testimony of Faith

…the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 

(Philemon 1:6, NKJV)

One of the most fulfilling and yet humbling experience, is to hear someone else give a positive report about another.  For the recipient, it might be a surprise to receive accolades from others who have observed him through life, those who can give a true and pleasant affirmation of the individual. Unfortunately, this is often heard during funerals where people speak only of the good and the impact that the departed has left.  As is becoming common nowadays, people are choosing and rightly so, to speak words of acknowledgement in the lifetime of the recipient and I hear the words – giving others flowers when they are alive.  This is a powerful credit to the character of the person in question, which makes them realize that though they were just going through their lives, others were not only noticing the good done but also accepting of the impact.  An awareness of one’s positive influence in the lives of others, becomes a source of motivation to continue doing good.

Our reference verse comes from a powerful message by Apostle Paul when writing to Philemon.  He highlights the love and faith of Philemon, noting his joy and pride for the character of Philemon.  In this passage, Apostle Paul is giving  testimony of Philemon’s faith and it is instructive that he mentions that Philemon’s good works would be acknowledged as reflecting his faith.  Beloved, this is what we each desire, that our lives would testify our faith in God.  For Paul, it is a matter of faith and love being witnessed by others, which shows not only the commitment of the believer but also the authenticity of his life.  It is often said, that actions speak louder than words and yes, Apostle James calls us not only to be hearers of the word but also doers (James 1:22-25).  He goes ahead to say that faith without actions is dead (James 2:14-26).  Beloved, the world is looking for our actions as a confirmation of our faith in Jesus Christ.  Our actions become a foundation for sharing our faith effectively.  To those who are closest to us, those who know our struggles and our battles, there is a possibility of winning them over to Christ through our actions (1 Peter 3:1-2).  We demonstrate the power of God at work in our lives through our actions.  The gospel we have believed in transforms our lives from inside our hearts and then our actions become the witness to the new life that we have embraced.  It is this power of God that enables us to act right, a day at a time, so that what used to get us down last year does not have the same power over us today.  It is progressive power which eventually can be observed and testified of by others.

Brethren, let us not forget that we could say all the right things and still fail to influence others towards our faith.  Writing on spiritual gifts, Apostle Paul reminds us that love is the greatest (1 Corinthians 13:13).  This rests on the words of Jesus that the world will know we are His disciples by our love, one for another (John 13:35).  We can do all other things but if those we encounter do not experience the love of God through us, then we shall struggle to win them over to Christ.  It is love that brings others to Christ, while at the same time, love refreshes the brethren (Philippians 1:9).  Beloved, may we purpose to pursue love, the love of God for God is love.  When we do, the message of our faith will be spread abroad by others who are witnesses of our lives.

Thoughts:

What would others say concerning you in faith?

How do you include love in witnessing to others?

In which areas do you need to show more love?