In Christian circles the idea of “sharing our testimony” about Jesus has fallen out of fashion to some degree, maybe because it smacks of tent evangelism, street witnessing, and in-your-face spiritual confrontations from years ago. But in all other areas of life, testimonials are welcomed among neighbors and friends. We often hear: “Hey, do you know a good … roofer/plumber/ dentist/preschool/doctor/restaurant … you like and would recommend?” Questions like these come up all the time on Facebook. Yet, somehow we’ve decided our spiritual life is the one thing we shouldn’t talk about. Who decided this is a taboo subject? 

According to the apostle Peter, every disciple of Jesus should be prepared to give their testimony at any time. “In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15–16).

In Acts we see Paul sharing his testimony anytime he could—explaining how he encountered the Lord Jesus and the drastic changes that came into his life as a result. He wasn’t alone; all those who knew Jesus in those early days freely testified about Him. That’s how the church grew so quickly. Some, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote down their experiences, and their gospel accounts and letters became part of New Testament scripture. When Peter and John were ordered by the Jewish authorities to quit speaking and teaching in Jesus’ name, they answered, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19–20).

Those who encounter God and are changed by Him always have a testimony. David wrote in Psalm 40, “He brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—praise to our God” (vv. 2–3, NKJV). If we have been saved—brought out of darkness into His marvelous light, washed and made clean by His precious blood, released from the power of Satan and filled with the power of God’s Spirit—we have a testimony we can (and should) share with others. Not reluctantly or from a grudging sense of duty but with gratitude and devotion to the One who rescued us.

Charles Spurgeon, the great preacher of the 1800s, urged Christians to see testifying to God’s goodness as an important spiritual responsibility. “We ought not to court publicity for our virtue, but, at the same time, it is a sin to be always seeking to hide that which God has bestowed upon us for the good of others. Retirement may be lovely in its season, and to hide one’s self is doubtless modest, but the hiding of Christ in us can never be justified, and the keeping back of truth which is precious to ourselves is a sin against others and an offence against God.” 

If we find ourselves reticent to share Christ, let’s consider what the reasons might be so we can address them. (Believe me, I talking to myself here as much as I am to you!) Have we forgotten how awful our lives were before Jesus saved us? Do we now take His gift of salvation for granted—living without considering how different our lives would be if we didn’t know Him? Do we figure no one else is interested in our spiritual experience, so we remain silent when the topic comes up? Has our relationship with the Lord grown so cold and distant that we have no new revelations, experiences, or answers to prayer we can share with others?  

Maybe the main reason many of us don’t share our testimony is because we’ve never taken the time to formulate it. Being prepared to share Christ with those who ask implies we’ve organized our spiritual experiences into a compelling story that’s easy to understand. What are the main elements that make up our unique life story? How did we come to know Jesus, what drew us to Him, what needs did He meet in our lives at conversion and what needs does He continue to meet today? In other words, what are the key points we can share from our past and present experience with Him that might create an interest in others to seek the Lord for themselves?  

Spurgeon adds: “If thou canst not speak with trumpet voice, use the still small voice. From the hidden springs within let sweetly flowing rivulets of testimony flow forth, giving drink to every passer-by. To speak for God will be refreshing to ourselves, cheering to saints, useful to sinners, and honouring to the Lord.”

Paul and all the other apostles were often misunderstood and rejected, but they were also used by God to bring many into the glorious riches of Christ. It’s our choice. We can continue to remain silent in our day of political correctness and sensitivity training courses, but who do we most want to please—our culture or our Lord and Savior?

The Holy Spirit will help us discern when and how to share our testimony if we seek His counsel. Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 10:8, “Freely you have received, freely give.” Like the four starving lepers in 2 Kings 7, who discovered the enemy surrounding their city had fled, leaving behind all their supplies, we’ve stumbled upon a great and unexpected blessing because of the Lord’s goodness. After the lepers had eaten their fill of food and carried away all the valuable objects they could, they said to one another, “We’re not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. Let’s go at once and report this” (v. 9). Who knows? Maybe someone is waiting for your testimonial about Jesus. Identifying with your story may help them to search for Him too. Let’s not keep the treasures of Christ to ourselves!

Hebrews 13:15–16 calls us to use our lips to confess His name. “Through Jesus let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” 

Lord Jesus, forgive me for not taking every opportunity to proclaim your goodness and grace. Help me prepare my testimony so I’m ready to share it freely for the good of others. Give me eyes to see the open doors and give me courage to walk through them even when I feel incapable of adequately expressing how wonderful you are. Enable me to give out of the abundance with which you have blessed me. Even if I encounter opposition, help me to share what I know of you with others, knowing this pleases you. You are worthy of all praise, Lord Jesus. May you be glorified through your people today! Amen.