Living a Life as a Witness: Following Jesus’ Example
One of the most profound aspects of Jesus’ ministry was the way He engaged with people. He sought out sinners, shared meals with them, walked alongside them, and showed them love. Yet, in all this, Jesus never compromised His holiness. He never “joined in” with sin or watered down His faith to fit in. Instead, He lived out the truth in such a genuine, loving way that people were drawn to Him, and many found their lives changed.
As Christians, we’re called to the same kind of missional living—engaging with the world around us without compromising our beliefs, building genuine relationships, and letting our lives reflect the heart of Christ. But how can we do this in a way that feels authentic? How can we live as a witness while maintaining a genuine relationship with others, even when they don’t share our beliefs?
1. Walk in Love, Not in Judgement
Jesus’ interactions with others were rooted in love. He extended kindness and compassion even to those who were “unworthy” in the eyes of society. Living out our faith means approaching others with humility and grace, not judgment. When we remember that we are all saved by grace, it becomes easier to extend grace to others and avoid a “holier-than-thou” mentality.
1 Corinthians 13:1 reminds us that if we “speak in the tongues of men and angels, but have not love,” we are “a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” Our witness loses impact if it isn’t grounded in love. Instead of pointing out flaws, we’re called to be patient, kind, and understanding, showing the same mercy that God has shown to us.
2. Be Honest About the Truth
Jesus didn’t shy away from telling the truth about sin. He called people to repentance and taught them about God’s desires for their lives. But He spoke these truths in love, with the heart of a shepherd, not a critic. Living as a witness doesn’t mean we hide our beliefs or go silent about what we know to be true. Rather, it means being willing to share God’s truth while respecting the person in front of us, recognizing that change happens through the Holy Spirit, not by force or coercion.
In our own conversations, we can be open about our faith and God’s truth without resorting to arguments or ultimatums. We can invite dialogue, encourage questions, and listen genuinely to the viewpoints of others. This approach often opens doors for meaningful conversations, and it allows us to plant seeds that God can nurture in His timing.
3. Live the Message Before Speaking It
Our actions are often the most powerful testimony we have. Jesus didn’t just preach the Good News—He lived it. He forgave, healed, served, and loved. Similarly, the way we treat others, the way we handle difficult situations, and even the way we spend our time can serve as a witness. By making choices that reflect Christ, we invite others to see God’s love in action.
When people observe our faith through our daily choices—honesty in the workplace, patience with family, compassion for strangers—they encounter the Gospel in a relatable way. As it says in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
4. Build Genuine Relationships—Without Compromise
Jesus’ relationships were deep and personal, not transactional. He spent time with people, listened to their stories, and cared about their lives. In our efforts to live missionally, it’s essential to build genuine friendships with those around us, not just with an agenda but with a real desire to know and care for them.
However, we need to be cautious not to let these relationships pull us away from our own faith. While building connections, it’s easy to feel pressure to “fit in” or to stoop to behaviors that compromise our beliefs. The calling Jesus puts in front of us—the opportunities He gives us to be a witness—will never require us to sin. He calls us to love and engage with others, but He also calls us to remain steadfast in our own walk with Him.
When people feel valued and understood, they’re more likely to respect our beliefs, even if they don’t share them. Authentic friendships create trust and allow us to share the Gospel in a way that resonates on a personal level. We can serve as a witness through friendship, walking alongside others and showing them the love of Christ without compromising the standards we hold as followers of Him.
5. Stay Grounded in Prayer and Scripture
Living missionally requires strength, humility, and discernment, all of which come from staying connected to God. Jesus often withdrew to pray and seek guidance from His Father, and this is a habit we should follow. When we spend time in prayer and in God’s Word, He equips us with the wisdom and love we need to interact with others.
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” By acknowledging God in all we do, He guides us in our relationships and helps us remain rooted in His truth.
Finding the Balance: Love Without Compromise
Living as a witness is about being both fully present in the world and fully faithful to God. It means engaging with others where they are, being open and loving without compromising our beliefs. It’s not always easy, and it requires a constant reliance on God to help us navigate each relationship and situation.
As we seek to live out this calling, let’s remember the example Jesus set: loving people unconditionally, sharing truth compassionately, and living authentically in all we do. When we keep our eyes on Christ and walk in His love, we’ll find that being a witness becomes less about “doing” and more about “being”—being someone who reflects God’s light in every interaction, one moment at a time.
