1 John 1:3-4




'We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.'
As a teenager, I developed a great interest in the law, and often visited the local Magistrates’ and Crown Courts. I was gripped by them. To describe these as eye-opening experiences would be a considerable understatement. Having been brought up in a very loving Christian home, I was learning about a world of which I knew nothing at all. I soon learnt the way in which the courts worked, and I recall the way in which the magistrate or judge would insist that witnesses stuck to their own personal memory. The moment they strayed into talking about what they had heard from other people they were quickly told to get back to their own experiences.
John knew the importance of sticking to his own personal witness. He had had the immense privilege of listening to Jesus first hand and of seeing him respond to the pressures and challenges of everyday life. He knew that Jesus was the source of true life and joy and he couldn’t wait to share it with other people. Of course, we are not in the same position as John, but we are all witnesses. If we have welcomed Jesus into our lives, then we have our own authentic, personal account to share with others. I love hearing people’s testimonies. It’s wonderful to hear of the love, joy, peace and purpose that Jesus has brought into their lives and to hear of the way in which he has been faithful to them as they have walked through challenging times.




Sharing our witness is valuable and important but it isn’t an end in itself. John was clear that it should lead to fellowship. As we share what Jesus has done in our lives, it brings us closer to one another and to the Lord, and the outcome is joy. Who wouldn’t want to be part of something as wonderful as this?




Question: How would you describe what Jesus has done in your life?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the ways in which you have blessed my life. Help me to become bolder in sharing my witness with others. Amen

Released on 6 Aug 2022