READ: MATTHEW 28:16-20; ACTS 1:1-11; 10:34-48; 1 PETER 3:15-18

I have a confession. For a long time, I was scared to witness to others about Jesus. I knew Jesus told His disciples that, through the Holy Spirit’s power, they would witness about Him “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Yet I was afraid to witness to people because I didn’t think I had a very good argument. I thought it was up to me to be the judge of my friends. I was so, so wrong.

You see, in a courtroom setting a witness is not the judge or jury. The witness doesn’t get to make the decisions or judgments regarding the one on trial. And the witness isn’t there to argue for or against whoever is on trial either. A witness’s job is to tell their story. It’s as simple as that.

When I realized this, my perspective on witnessing completely changed. I wasn’t scared anymore, because I realized all I had to do was tell my story— the story of how God loved me before I was even born, and how He sent His Son to die on the cross and be raised from the dead, freeing me from sin, shame, and condemnation. The story of how I have struggled with self-worth, but when I met Jesus I realized I was wonderfully created by God (Psalm 139:13-14). The story of how I have struggled with anxiety, but I have hope knowing that God did not give me “a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

You and I are not called to cast judgment. We are called to witness “to the ends of the earth,” telling our story of the goodness of God. • Daevis McMurphy

• Can you think of a time someone shared their own story of God’s goodness with you? How did it impact you?

• Can you think of a time you experienced God’s goodness? What was that like? Consider taking some time to thank God for this, and ask Him if this story is one He’s inviting you to share.

• What questions do you have about witnessing to others about Jesus? Who is a trusted Christian in your life you could talk to about what it means to be a witness of God’s love?

[Jesus said,] “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NLT)