What does it mean to be a living witness?
Jesus prayed for us, not just to survive the world, but to transform it through his Spirit living in us. In John 17:18-21, we see Jesus interceding for his disciples and all future believers, praying that they would be unified with him and the Father:
“As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
Identity in Christ is found acknowledging the greatest sacrifice given to mankind. Jesus being blameless became sin, tearing the veil in the temple that separated humanity from God, as he was sacrificed on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. By consecrating himself, we are sanctified, obtaining salvation and a righteous identity in him. This identity compels us to capture humanity through our testimony, becoming living witnesses of redemption.
This identity in Christ is characterized and witnessed by:
Love: An agape love that is selfless, sacrificial and unconditionally committed to the well-being of others, rooted in God’s nature and exemplified by Jesus Christ.
Joy: A gladness and delight deepened by faith, God’s presence and salvation, rather than by circumstances.
Peace: A state of wholeness and completeness that brings inner tranquility from God’s Holy Spirit, allowing for peace even amidst adversity.
Patience: An endurance of difficult circumstances with steadfast, active trust in God’s timing, rather than passive resignation.
Kindness: A disposition of moral goodness, mercy and love that actively seeks the well-being of others, even the undeserving, exemplified by God’s character and Christ’s actions.
Goodness: Striving for excellence, righteousness and kindness, reflecting the character of God, who is the source of all goodness.
Faithfulness: Steadfast allegiance to God and a commitment to him through all circumstances.
Gentleness: A Spirit-produced meekness, humility and controlled strength that treats others with kindness, patience and care, reflecting the gentle character of Jesus.
Self-control: The ability to regulate emotions, thoughts and behaviors, seen as a divine virtue and a key part of Christian character. It is cultivated through the Holy Spirit and involves mastering desires and impulses.
One with the Father
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
Jesus not only lived in his identity as the Christ but also took on our humanity—seen in works whether divine (miracles, forgiving sins) or human (eating, suffering, dying)—and was manifested in the flesh as the Son of God. He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ. Now, we are one with the Father, just as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is one.
We have the opportunity not only to witness the signs of Christ in the world but also to embody those signs and respond. In a time when grace, mercy, kindness, patience and love seem less prevalent, we are given a chance to make a difference.
We can respond with empathy, genuinely seeking the best for those around us by fostering meaningful relationships. We can also respond by pursuing God’s justice in the world, refusing to accept the status quo of how we treat our neighbors, and instead changing our own perspective to seek Christ in everyone we encounter.
Living witnesses
The essence of our calling is to be living witnesses, fueled by passionate hearts that are truly mission-minded. This means actively engaging with the living Word of God, not just in study, but by allowing it to activate and guide our daily lives. As we do this, we bear witness to the transformative power of God, proclaiming the good news of salvation not just with our words, but through the very way we live.
We have been chosen, appointed and commissioned to actively be on mission to demonstrate God’s redemptive love to a world in need of a Savior. In John 15:16 it says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
“You did not choose me, but I chose you…” It’s a powerful reminder that each of our lives has a distinct purpose, a deliberate design rather than a random occurrence.
Jesus goes on to say, “…and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” This speaks to our calling to make a lasting impact, not just through temporary achievements, but through eternal fruits like love, kindness, justice and peace. These are the contributions that truly resonate through time.
The promise that follows, “so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you,” assures us that when our prayers align with his purpose, our loving Father hears and answers.
Finally, Jesus delivers a simple yet revolutionary command in the follow-ing verse: “Love each other” (John 15:17b). This is not merely a suggestion but a fundamental directive for believers. Love is presented as the very fruit, evidence and mission of our faith. Therefore, let us remember that we are chosen, appointed and em-powered. And above all, we are called to love.
Cultivating a heart of mission
What fruit is my life bearing today? Where can I show Christ’s love more intentionally this week? Am I living like someone chosen with a purpose?
As Jesus became flesh to reveal the Father, we now walk as his living wit-ness, empowered by the Spirit, appointed to bring light, truth and love into a broken world.
Cultivating a heart of mission as the ultimate posture of gratitude is vital as we live out our faith … “so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
Silvia Lopez serves as the Mission Training Program Coordinator with Multiply, the mission agency of Mennonite Brethren churches in North America. Born and raised in California, she has cultivated a deep appreciation for God’s creation through a lifetime of outdoor adventures with her family. She has dedicated much of her professional life to supporting families and children through social work. Her deepest desire is to see God’s people united in love, faithfulness and purpose, working together to expand the Kingdom of God.
