The Power of a Witness

I have been thinking about the word “witness” for months and pondering the importance of a witness.  I remember being young and wondering why my Grandmother would go to the hospital and sit for hours when the person was not even awake.  I remember understanding that she was serving as a “witness.”  When I am at various events, funerals, weddings, graduations, etc., I am there to celebrate with the individuals, but in another sense, I am serving as a “witness.”  A witness to their happiness, their joy, or their sorrow.

So, what is a “witness?”  Merriam-Webster defines the word “witness” as someone having personal knowledge of something, and who gives evidence or testifies.  Often when you think of a witness, you think of a trial (either criminal or civil) and a person testifying to what they have seen, heard, or experienced.  I recently had a car accident, and when I was providing the information to my insurance company, their first question to me was if there was a witness.  Although I told the truth, the decision was not in my favor.  What I understood quickly, was that if there had been a witness to validate my account, I would have likely prevailed.  There was power in having a witness.

The word “witness” is used over 100 times in the Bible. John 1:7-9 discusses one of the roles of John the Baptist:

"The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.  He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."

Although John the Baptist was not the Messiah, one of his roles was to serve as a “witness” that the true Light had come to the world. 

In the same way that John the Baptist served as a “witness” for Christ, Christians are to serve in the same way.  Although our witnessing is different, it can be every bit as powerful.  We witness, by giving our own personal testimonies, but we also witness, by sharing how we witnessed God moving in other people’s lives.

I have been witness to several individuals who have experienced incredible trials in their lives, and have grown stronger in their faith and belief in God.  During and after their trials, they sang the praises of God.  I often share (witnessed) those faith stories to others, which have encouraged and strengthened both the listener and myself.  Although the listener does not have first-hand knowledge, they are able to learn about the person’s life through my  witness testimony.

The only way to serve as a witness, is to (1) be present and (2) be willing to share what you have seen, heard, and/or experienced.  There are untold benefits to being a witness, and for heeding the words of a witness.

Please take a look at the Testimony  and  Lean on Me  blogs, which complement this one.

Glory To God for All That He Has Done

Blessings To You - Janice

​All scriptures are in King James Version

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