A Christian testimony is a statement or declaration by a believer in Jesus about his/her personal experience with God. Its focus is who God is and what He has done in or around his/her life.
Whenever we share our testimonies of how God has related to us and shown us who He is, we are declaring the truth about God and honoring Him.
Your testimony is a story of God in your life.
How God saved you will be one of the most powerful testimonies you can share. As you grow in your relationship with Jesus, you will have many stories about God that you can tell others.
You may have an opportunity to share your testimony in front of a group of people, but in most cases, your opportunities to share a testimony will be in ordinary conversations with others throughout the day.
“But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Therefore, be ready to share your testimony at any time.
Here are some things to keep in mind when you share a testimony.
- Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom for what, when, how, with whom to share your story (James 1:5).
- Always keep your focus on Jesus so that your testimony will be God-centered.
- Keep It Short and Simple (KISS).
- In a conversation, ask for permission to share, such as: “Would it be okay if I shared with you what God has done in my life?”
- Be truthful, positive, and joyful. Don’t lie or embellish.
- Be Conversational. You are not trying to persuade or convince but stating your personal experience.
- Some words are understood only among Christians and should be avoided in a testimony: lost, saved, born again, repent, justified, sanctified, propitiation, holy, atonement, anointed, redeemed, baptized by the Holy Ghost, etc.
Learn more about a personal testimony HERE.