Ever been in a conversation with a friend who wasn't a believer, and suddenly realized:* "I don't know what to say?!"
Sure, we all have!
Don't worry too much... just learn from it and have a plan for next time. When you're in one of those moments, the best plan is to share your personal testimony of how you became a believer. Today, we're going to talk about how to do that.
1 Peter 3:15 encourages us to, “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.” This verse underscores the importance of being ready to share your faith—and your testimony is one of the most powerful ways to do that.
Your testimony is the intersection of your story and God’s story. It’s the moment of “Gospel collision” when Christ changed your life. Let’s explore how you can craft and share your testimony effectively, based on both biblical examples and practical tips.
The Power of Telling A Personal Testimony
When it’s time to share Jesus, stories speak louder than arguments. Your testimony allows others to see how God has worked personally in your life. Consider these examples from Scripture:
Paul’s Testimony (Acts 22:1-10): Paul shares his story of transformation, from persecuting Christians to being confronted by Jesus on the road to Damascus. He recounts his zeal, his encounter with Christ, and his surrender to Jesus as Lord.
The Blind Man’s Testimony (John 9:24-25): When questioned by skeptics, the man born blind simply states, “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” His straightforward, undeniable experience points to the power of Christ.
How to Prepare Your Testimony
Being ready to share your testimony means taking time to write it out, reflect on it, and practice sharing it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your story:
1. Make a Clear Contrast
Your testimony becomes remarkable when it highlights the contrast between your life before and after encountering Jesus. Paul’s story in Acts 26 is a great example:
Before: Paul describes his life as a zealous persecutor of Christians, “obsessed with persecuting them” (Acts 26:9-11).
After: He shares how Jesus transformed him into a preacher of repentance and faith (Acts 26:19-20).
Ask yourself:
What was life like before you met Christ?
What struggles or misconceptions did you face?
How did God prepare your heart for salvation?
Don’t shy away from sharing something negative about your past. It highlights the transformative power of Christ.
2. Focus on the Moment of Salvation
The pivotal moment in your testimony is when God convicted you of sin and revealed His truth. Share details like:
How you realized your need for a Savior.
The specific truths about Jesus that changed your thinking.
The moment you decided to turn from sin and trust in Jesus.
This is where Jesus must take center stage. As He told Paul in Acts 26:15-18, He came to rescue and transform, to “turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.”
3. Practice Sharing It
Once your testimony is written, practice sharing it aloud. Keep it concise—a practiced version should take no more than five minutes. This ensures you can share it in everyday conversations without overwhelming your listener.
I can't stress enough how vital this is. If you practice, you'll be comfortable. If you don't, you'll hesitate.
Dawson Trotman was right when he said, “Thoughts untangle when they pass through the lips and the fingertips.” When you write it and say it, it’s amazing how much difference it makes!
4. Ask God for a chance to share it.
Start asking the Lord to open a door for you to share it. He will. He's so passionate about the Good News, he arranged Paul's life journey just to get the Gospel in front of government officials and people in Rome! I promise, God's more excited about it than you are!
Tips for Sharing Your Testimony
Make Jesus the Hero: Your testimony isn’t about how you saved yourself but about how Jesus saved you. Keep the focus on Him.
Avoid Overdramatizing: Not every testimony is dramatic, and that’s okay. Whether simple or dramatic, your story is powerful because it’s true.
Invite Interaction: After sharing, ask questions like, “Does that make sense?” or “Do you have any questions?” This opens the door for deeper conversations.
Offer a Response Opportunity: Don’t hesitate to extend an invitation. Say something like, “If you’d like to be right with God, I’d love to pray with you.”
Media Resources and training on sharing your testimony
Here's an extensive message on how personal testimonies work in the Bible, and how you can prepare one for yourself (watch video below):
Click to download the free handout on how to prepare your testimony.
Why Your Testimony Matters
Your story is a living example of the Gospel’s power. When you share it, you’re fulfilling the command of 1 Peter 3:15 to be ready to give an answer for the hope you have. Like Paul, the blind man, and countless others throughout history, your testimony can lead others to see the truth of Christ.
Take time today to write, refine, and practice your testimony. Be ready for the next opportunity to tell the story of God’s work in your life—and trust Him to use it to impact others for His glory!
More Resources
If you're looking for more info on how to share the Gospel with friends, that's the link you need.
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