Why do Christians testify and give testimony?
Christians are known for testifying, or giving testimony, about their faith. Why do Christians do this?
Oxford Languages Dictionary (or OLD, which supplies definitions for Google) defines the word “testify” as follows:
“give evidence as a witness in a law court” and “serve as evidence or proof of something's existing or being the case”
OLD defines “testimony” as follows:
“a formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court of law” and “evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something”
In light of these definitions, it is clear that a “testimony” is meant to provide evidence of a truth or reality which is being asserted.
Before I answer the questions “Why do Christians testify or give testimony?” and “What barriers exist to Christians testifying”? consider some passages from the Bible which show the power and impact of giving testimony.
And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)
“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true. You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. (John 5:30-36)
He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. (John 19:35)
If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. (1 John 5:9-12)
And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. (Revelation 12:10-11)
It is clear from these passages that God has a testimony - a message which is supported with evidence that has been (and can be) seen, heard, and understood - which has power to save souls and conquer enemies.
This “mega-testimony” is the story of the work that God has done for all humankind in the life and work of Jesus Christ. This is the good news, or gospel of Jesus Christ, which must be preached to all nations as a testimony before the end of this present age will come.
However, God continues to confirm this “capital T” Testimony through regular works in the lives of His children on a regular basis. These works are provided as evidence to strengthen our faith and to continue to bear witness to the truth in our hearts. These works are meant to be received by us and to be shared with others. Christians are in a family called the Body of Christ. We are meant to share, through words of testimony, what God has given us with others.
So, let’s answer our questions.
Why do Christians testify or give testimony?
Christians give testimony of the great things God has done in order to ignite faith in one another’s hearts. Giving testimony strengthens faith in a community of faith.
Christians give testimony because it brings glory to God to exalt His name as the ultimate Worker of great deeds.
What barriers exist to Christians testifying?
Perhaps we believe that what God has done for us is not as great as what He has done for others, and we feel ashamed of our own testimonies.
Perhaps we have forgotten what God has done for us, so we have nothing in our memories to testify about.
Perhaps the hardships we are experiencing are dominating our thoughts more than the great things God has done for us.
Questions to consider; actions to take:
Question: How can you incorporate testimonies and testifying into your regular rhythms of Christian fellowship, worship, and informal conversations?
Question: When will you next ask a friend, “May I tell you some great things God has done for me?”
Action: If you do not believe you have something worth testifying about, ask God to give you a testimony you believe is worth sharing.
Action: If you struggle with fear about others’ reactions to your testimony or shame about your testimony, ask God to remove the power of fear and shame in your heart and to increase your boldness in giving testimony.
Action: What steps can you take to regularly remember the great things God has done for you?
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I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds.
Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is great like our God?
You are the God who works wonders;
you have made known your might among the peoples. (Psalm 77:11–14)
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:30–31)