Why It’s Important to Tell People What You Have Seen and Heard

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At the top of a list of “worst things to discuss in public” you’ll find, money, religion, sex, and politics And in our current politically correct society some would say that even mentioning those topics is argumentative and hateful.

If we’re to avoid talking about religion . . . what about faith?

Everyone has faith in something . . . so if we don’t talk about what we believe what in the world are we supposed to talk about.

Conversations about the weather leads to talking about climate change. Gas prices leads to politics. Work and employment leads to money and politics. Children leads to schools, teachers, unions. Well, you get the idea.

And coming from a person who hates confrontation and controversy . . . I’m starting to find it awkward to find things to talk about with people I don’t know very well.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians

I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling.

1 Corinthians 2:3

And I think most of us can relate.

So, how did Paul boldly stand up in Acts 22 before the Temple leaders and crowds that were determined to silence him?

He told his story of Jesus love.

Paul didn’t use big “theological” words. He didn’t try to impress the people with his knowledge or wisdom. He kept the message simple and plain relying on the Holy Spirit to use him and to touch the hearts and minds of those who were listening.

He began by saying…

I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today. And I persecuted the followers of the Way, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison.

Acts 22:3–4

Then he told them about meeting Jesus…

I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’
“‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked.
“And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.” 

Acts 22:6–8

And through a man named, Ananias, the Lord told Paul:

“You are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard.“

Acts 22:15

That’s what you and I have been called to do. Not preach about religion . . . just tell our story, share what we have seen and heard, what we know to be true about the power of Jesus to transform and bless lives.

A Prayer Asking God to Help Me Tell
What I Have Seen and Heard

Father, You have blessed me more than I’m even aware. I remember the day I heard You whisper, “you have no idea of all the ways I’ve protected you.” You have not only provided . . . You have also spared and protected. You have given me a beautiful story to share.

Your love overwhelms me. You forgive and give me hope. You heal and comfort and guide. You give me joy and peace and freedom.

Please forgive me for the times I’ve taken your grace and mercy for granted. Open my eyes and ears, work in my heart and mind that I might see the beautiful truths You have for me.

Then . . . please fill me with Your Spirit and give me the courage I need to tell what I have seen and heard. Help me tell the story of Your transforming love. Help me tell my story of Jesus. I love you. I thank and praise you. Amen.

May you and I follow Paul’s example and look for opportunities to tell what we have seen and heard:

• Tell people your story – how God’s love through Jesus has blessed you.
• Tell your message simply – “I was a mess until Jesus touched me with His love and the more I spend time getting to know Him the more blessed I am .”
• Just be willing – pray and ask the Spirit to give your the words to say.
• Trust the Spirit – pray and ask God to use your words and touch the hearer’s heart.

On today’s note write:

Trust God and tell what you have seen and heard.

May God bless you today as you think about and thank God for the ways He is writing your story.

Click here to read the rest of Acts 22.

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