Witnessing

SUN., MAR. 21, 1982, 5:57 AM
FARM, STUDY

Witnessing is, basically, an outward show of appreciation. If you witness for Me, and Our life together, it shows appreciation for Me (and understand that this is not something that I need… it is you who needs the experience.

You are not a good overt witness to people whose faith is unknown or to those known not to be Christians. You do witness well in letters and in other writings… and you speak well among and to professed believers. This goes back to your youth and your developed capacity to function in two or more “groups” that were not at all compatible. You were not one to make the Comus group more like the church fellowship… or the church group more like the Comus Club. And so you did grow in the capacity to be a part of the group you are with, not a voice of change from elsewhere.

I am using this developed ability in relation to your profession, so I am not really critical of it. Still and all, a good, ringing witness now and again brings a smile to and applause from This Holy Spirit.

When others witness to you, you have two opportunities. One is to listen and learn, for any occasion of witnessing may be a means that I am using to help you learn. Anything said by a witness can be the basis for a comment of Mine. You certainly know how day-to-day life and these teachings fit together, and I shall continue to provide this commentary. You need only bring your pad and your pen, and you shall soon have words from Me.

The other opportunity is to cross witness. When someone tells you what he believes, you then may take the opportunity of countering with what you believe… even what you Know. You can do this, but you don’t do it easily and well. I am not asking for a crusade to improve this ability… only awareness and appreciation of moments when you could… and occasions when you do. Remember… don’t argue. Just tell your story and let others hear it. This is not the only form of witnessing, but it is an effective one… and the one I call on you to utilize.

For example, the title on the Watchtower is “Why Are There So Many Religions?” The author and other witnesses give their answers. What is yours? In your experience with Me you discern that I like diversity. I really didn’t want humankind to grow up in and never leave the Garden of Eden. I blessed the formation of the Evangelical Orthodox Church, for those young men formed a new body which they purposed to conform more fully to Mine. Yet I can still love and bless the churches and congregations which they rejected in order to form this new Body.