What it means to be a "witness"

1 John 1:1-4 - That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled concerning the Word of life - the life was manifested and we have seen and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us - that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

Jesus calls us to be His "witnesses". When some Christians hear this word, they worry that they need exceptional skill or charisma in order to share the good news with others. Yet to witness is not to merely speak of the "Plan of Salvation" to someone. The word literally means to see, hear, or know by personal presence and perception; to testify; bear witness to; give or afford evidence of. When John wrote that he was sharing what he had experienced first-hand, he was saying, "I am full of joy because of the experience of knowing Jesus, and I want to invite you to share in that joy!"

When you are in love with someone, you are excited about the relationship and time spent together. It's the same way when you're in love with Jesus. You can't keep to yourself the joy that you have in knowing Him, and that joy bears witness to others. It makes no difference whether you speak quietly or with great exuberance. Others will pick up on the deep, genuine gladness in your heart that goes beyond just being happy. And people who don't yet know the Lord will find themselves hungering for the relationship you have. In that way they will be drawn to His Spirit in you.

Witnessing is not a matter of eloquence or talent. It's an overflow of the personal relationship with Jesus Christ that is conforming you to His image. As you allow the Holy Spirit to increasingly express His life and power through you, contagious joy will be "fruit" of His indwelling presence.