Our responsibility as a Christian is not to try to convert anyone but to witness to Christ. Our role is to witness. Jesus said “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1.8)

The best way to witness is not by what we say, but what we do. As Jesus said “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew. 5.16)

 

Witnessing to Christ means being committed to Christ-like ideas:

‘whatever is true,

whatever is honest (has dignity),

whatever is right (or is just),

whatever is pure, (has integrity),

whatever is lovely (or is lovable),

whatever is admirable (or is kind);

if anything is excellent (has quality)

if anything is honourable (has credibility’

we should think (and talk) about these things’.

(Philippians 5: 8)

Witnessing to Christ means being committed to Christ-like attitudes: 

‘living in harmony,

being like-minded,

having the same love,

being one in spirit and purpose;

doing nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,

but in humility considering others better than yourselves;

looking not only after your own interests,

but also looking after the interests of others.’

(Philippians 2: 1-8)

Witnessing to Christ means being committed to Christ-like actions:

‘Love that needs to be sincere.

Renouncing what is evil; embracing what is good.

Being devoted to one another in love.

Honouring one another above yourselves.

Making sure you don’t lack in enthusiasm,

but maintaining your spiritual passion, serving the Lord.

Being joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Being careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.

Not being conceited, but living in harmony with one another.

Not being proud, but associating with marginalised people. 

Sharing with those who are in need.

Practicing hospitality.

Rejoicing with those who rejoice;

Mourning with those who mourn.

As far as it depends on you,

living at peace with everyone.

Not taking revenge.

‘’If your enemies are hungry, feeding them;

if they are thirsty, giving them something to drink.’’

Not repaying anyone evil for evil.

Blessing those who persecute you; blessing and not cursing.

Not being overcome by evil, but overcoming evil with good.’

(Romans12: 9–21)

Witnessing to Christ means being committed to Christ-like outcomes:

‘The fruit of the Spirit:

At a personal level –

love – passion and compassion.

joy – awareness and appreciation.

peace – trust and tranquility

At a relational level- .

patience – persistence

kindness – sweetness, not bitterness 

At a social level –

goodness – generosity

faithfulness – fidelity

And at a political level –

tolerance and nonviolence 

self-control and self-management.

 (Galatians 5:22 –23)

See my new book Out And Out published by Mosaic Melbourne 2012