1 John 1:3-4

We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.

As a teenager, I developed a great interest in the law, and often visited the local Magistrates’ and Crown Courts. To describe these as eye-opening experiences would be a considerable understatement. Having been brought up in a very loving and protected Christian home, I was learning about a world of which I knew nothing at all. I soon learned how the courts worked, and I recall the way in which the magistrates or judges would insist that witnesses stuck to their own personal memory. The moment witnesses strayed into talking about what they had heard from other people, they were quickly told to get back to their own personal experiences.

John knew the importance of sticking to his own personal witness. He’d had the immense privilege of listening to Jesus first-hand and of seeing him respond to the pressures and challenges of everyday life. He knew that Jesus was the source of true life and joy, and he couldn’t wait to share it with other people. Of course, we are not in the same position as John, but we are all witnesses. If we have welcomed Jesus into our lives, we have our own authentic personal account to share with others. It’s wonderful to hear of the love, joy, peace and purpose that Jesus has brought into people’s lives, and to hear of how he has been faithful to them as they have walked through challenging times.

Sharing our witness is valuable and important, but it isn’t an end in itself. John was clear that it leads to fellowship. As we share what Jesus has done in our lives, it brings us closer to one another and to the Lord, and the outcome is joy. Who wouldn’t want to be part of something as wonderful as this?

Question

How would you describe what Jesus has done in your life?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for the ways in which you have blessed my life. Help me to become bolder in sharing my witness with others. Amen