Sharing testimonies comes naturally to me -- or so I thought. Until Ps Ben shared with us the essentials of an effective testimony, it had never occurred to me the need to “challenge the perception of the hearer”, and to “close the deal” (see Alvin's Week 2 sharing).
As a follow-up to last week’s sermon, we were encouraged to pen down and share a 12 to 15-minute testimony at the Home Fellowships this week. RT2 hosted a newcomer H, who also came prepared to share. Although not all our testimonies included all eight essentials, the group's loving critiques sharpened us for future sharing.
Here are some takeaways:
We tend not to make connections when we share. As such, some hearers may lose concentration and start scrolling their handphones.
While the format guides us in our sharing, telling others of God’s goodness inherently carries power, regardless of the format.
The purpose of sharing our testimonies is to share God’s goodness in our lives. If we share our struggles, do not forget to share how God helped us overcome our struggles, and to give glory to God.
When A shared, he was very focused, as if he was sharing with a particular person and purpose in mind. He subsequently said that he had received a word for H. Wow!
Our testimonies are our stories. They cannot be debated, objected to or denied by the hearer. Our role in sharing them is to plant seeds and stir hearts. When the time is ripe, they will be ready to accept Jesus into their lives.
G “closed the deal” by saying, "Love is a person." A person who sees all that we can, all that we can't, all that we are and all that we aren't, yet still chooses to love us. Would you like to experience this perfect love? It is important to end with an invitation.
Although some testimonies may not resonate with us, they may speak to others. Do not underestimate the impact of any testimony.
Ps D shared that life is fulfilling when we walk in God’s plan. God’s plan is mysterious and exciting; it unfolds bit by bit every day. And eternal life does not start after death. It starts now. As believers, our life should excite others to find out what is God’s plan for them. Let us live our life inside out, and let others experience God’s goodness through the sharing of our testimonies.
Signing off,
Lena (on behalf of RT2)
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