(A Biblical Perspective by Al Thomas)

Christmas is a wonderful time to give testimony
about what Jesus has done in your life.

Not every believer is required to preach, teach, or enter full time ministry. We may not all be called to be a leader but we all have something to say. Every Christian has a story to tell…EVERY CHRISTIAN! We grow spiritually when we give testimony… Ephesians 4:15 says “….speaking the truth in love that we may grow up in him…” Speaking what He has done for you causes you to grow up in Him.   Don't be ashamed to tell anyone about your relationship with Christ.  Some feel they will make a fool of themselves. Those who aren't held captive by pride don't care if they make a fool of themselves. Before I give you eight things about a true testimony remember this: 

ALWAYS DO SOMETHING THAT REQUIRES A LITTLE BIT MORE THAN YOU THINK YOU HAVE (it forces us to grow). People say “Well, I wouldn't know what to say…” Really? Well, here are a few questions for you:
 
     • “Before you met Jesus, did you have that assurance of salvation?”
     • “Before you met Jesus, did you know you had a heavenly Father who loved you        and was reaching out His hand to you?”
     • “How come you don't do those worldly things you used to do…now that you        know Jesus?”
     • “Why is it that you keep walking with Jesus week after week, month after        month, year after year?” 
     • “What’s so great about Jesus that in spite of the hardships you go through you        continue to stay a believer?”
     • “Before you came to Jesus did you have the joy of your sins being forgiven?”
 
Aha! You have a testimony!
AS YOU GIVE YOUR TESTIMONY KEEP IN MIND THESE THINGS:
 
1.  IT SHOULD HARMONIZE WITH GOD’S WORD
         A testimony should always line up to the truth of the Word of God. (Psalm         119:140; 2 Samuel 22:31). 
2.  IT SHOULD RELATE TO A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
         The best witness is a personal witness. Yes, you can tell someone that they          should be a Christian because it says so in the Bible, but when you begin to          say “Jesus did this for me” or “I used to be a drunk, but Jesus delivered me” or          “I used to be filled with guilt but Jesus washed me clean” or “God brought my          family together” etc. you are beginning to connect your faith with Christ to a          personal experience and the person hearing you will think about their personal          life also. “Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath          done for my soul”, Psalm 66:16
3.  IT SHOULD BE DONE WITHOUT SHAME OR FEAR
         “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord…” 2 Tim.          1:8  Remember, it’s the Lord’s testimony through you…Although it happened          through you, it was the Lord who did it, hence it is His testimony…so there          should not be any fear or shame.
4.  KEEP IN MIND A BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE IS BEING WRITTEN ABOUT YOUR TESTIMONY
         “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD          hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for          them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name”. Mal. 3:16
5.  AFTER A WHILE YOUR TESTIMONY SHOULD BECOME IRREPRESSIBLE
         “For we cannot but speak the things which we seen & heard…” ACTS 4:20 As          we experience more and more of the love of God…we will ache inside unless          we share how wonderful our God is…” My mouth will tell of your          righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I          will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim          your righteousness, yours alone” Psalm 71:15.
6.  YOUR FAITH WANTS TO GIVE TESTIMONY… 
         “We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and          therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.” 2 Cor. 4:13 Your          faith is shouting to get out. Express it! Sometimes we don't know what God will          do until we step out & speak up. You believe, now speak.
7.  ALWAYS BE READY TO GIVE YOUR TESTIMONY
         “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the          reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” 1          Peter 3:15 Rehearse it if you have to. Imagine the situation and decide what          you would do if asked about your faith.
8.  LASTLY, HERE’S A PERSONAL BENEFIT OF GIVING YOUR TESTIMONY
         You tend to forget your problems when you tell other people what Jesus has          done for you. As you testify to others the change in your life since Jesus took          over you are again reminded of how blessed you are. Your perspective          changes. You heart returns to the thankful attitude it should be in (1 THESS.          5:18). The worst moment for an atheist is when he is really thankful and has          nobody to thank. During this Holiday Season share your faith often, it will          remind you of how blessed you truly are.