Word of the Week: Testimony

Testimony

“I am a living testimony.” “Let me share my testimony with you.” “How can you be a living testimony?” In fact, what is a testimony ?

Definition from Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

· Pronunciation: \ˈtes-tə-ˌmō-nē\

· Etymology: Middle English testimonie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin testimonium Decalogue, from Latin, evidence, witness, from testis witness

· Date: 14th century

1 a (1): the tablets inscribed with the Mosaic law (2): the ark containing the tablets b: a divine decree attested in the Scriptures
2 a: firsthand authentication of a fact: evidence b: an outward sign c: a solemn declaration usually made orally by a witness under oath in response to interrogation by a lawyer or authorized public official
3 a: an open acknowledgment b: a public profession of religious experience

By definition the word testimony has several different meanings. However the same principle applies to all definitions. That is sharing what you have experienced or know. A testimony for a Christian is how they came to know Jesus, or what he has done and is doing in their lives. It is a relationship worth sharing with other people, so that they may come to know Jesus themselves.

Being a living testimony is acting on that relationship by letting other people see love, acceptance, patience and other characteristics of Jesus. It is being an example of how God is working in your life.

People who aren’t Christians may look at this word and not quite understand what’s going on (“Do they think they’re in a court of law? Are they CRAZY??” Others may see it as another way for a Christian to try and force them to believe in what they do, but it doesn’t have to be like that. A testimony is not meant to force you to believe in anything. It is simply an explanation to why a Christian may seem different from everybody else. It’s a way for you to get to know them and if it peaks someone’s interest that’s awesome. An explanation of the way YOU use the word “testimony” may be necessary, or you could try saying something like “this is what Christ has done in my life,” or “having a relationship with Jesus has changed me this way.” Rather than being confused by the Christianese you’re speaking, the person you’re talking to will probably simply accept this as a straightforward and honest way of communicating who YOU are, and they’ll learn about Jesus in the process.

by Angie Paddock