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Answer
The “testimony for Jesus” discussed here would consist of a lifestyle and words that openly acknowledge our personal experience of following Jesus Christ. A testimony should be public because its purpose is to inform others about what has occurred. In the Christian journey, our regeneration should serve as evidence to others that Jesus is alive and is transforming lives. We bear witness through both our words and actions. If our lives testify for Jesus Christ, then they should mirror Christ as we “follow in his steps” «For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: », (1 Peter 2:21).
In Acts 4:33, the apostles share their testimony through words: “And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.” The apostles, testifying about the resurrection, were recounting what they had personally seen, heard, and touched—they provided a firsthand, eyewitness report of Christ’s resurrection. Similarly, believers today are instructed to share with others what they have personally witnessed. While we may not have encountered Jesus face-to-face like the apostles, our conversion experience is equally genuine and serves as evidence of God’s supernatural work in our lives. We should eagerly and boldly communicate the change that has occurred in our hearts.
Revelation 12:11 states that believers “triumphed over [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Note the “word” of their testimony, indicating that these victorious individuals spoke openly, without shame or fear. Some argue that Christians should not verbalize their testimony but should instead live it out.In their daily lives, many people wonder about the importance of living the gospel message versus giving a verbal testimony. However, it’s not an either-or proposition. Both aspects are crucial, as God has chosen “hearing” the Word as the means of producing faith (Romans 10:17; see also John 4:39).
A life devoted to Christ serves as a powerful testimony. Paul exemplifies such a life in 2 Corinthians 1:12, stating, “We have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace.” When our actions of godly living align with the words we speak, our testimony will be perceived as genuine.
In the Beatitudes, Jesus outlined those who are blessed: “the poor in spirit . . . those who mourn [over their sin] . . . the meek . . . those who hunger and thirst for righteousness . . . the merciful . . . the pure in heart . . . the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:3-9). Jesus encapsulated a godly life with two commands: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself'” (Matthew 22:37-38). A Christian aiming to live as a testimony for Jesus will prioritize loving God above all and loving others above oneself. By sharing what Jesus has done in their life and serving God and others in practical ways, believers will increasingly reflect the life-giving influence of Christ in a dark and gloomy world.
