Wise Witnessing — A LifeWords Devotion

A very helpful book came out years ago in which the author declared how he hated witnessing. It was helpful because he then went on to demolish popular descriptions of witnessing. Usually these involved thrusting certain truths down the throat of another person, or ambushing utter strangers in the street. We become marketers of religion.

It is interesting that the New Testament doesn’t encourage such stereotypes. It seems to see much verbal witnessing as a response to enquiries, and does not see verbal witnessing as the sum total of faith sharing. Our passage today is one example of this more balanced view of sharing our faith.

We are to live wisely, to speak wisely. This will involve keeping our mouths shut at times, and will certainly involve speaking with sensitivity and with consideration of the one to whom we speak. And yet, we are to make the most of every opportunity that comes our way to speak of the faith we are living out.

Our words are to be gracious, which means we avoid harsh and arrogant speech which sadly can characterise Christians who think they know everything and who presume some moral superiority. And yet our words are to have flavour, we are not just insipid “nice guys”. We aim to be interesting conversationalists rather than private preaching machines.

And note that Paul puts the emphasis on responding to others. He presumes our way of life will invite curiosity. Our job is to be ready to speak as opportunities present themselves. It is the job of the Holy Spirit to give us those opportunities.

Blessings,