God’s Testimonies and Ours
“Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!’ Psalm 119: 2-3 ESV
Testimonies: Heb- It is used to describe the act of bearing witness or the evidence provided by a witness.
How do we bear witness who God is and that He exists? The Word says in Psalm 119 those who keep His testimonies are blessed. What are His commandments. His commandments are to love. So when we practice loving God and others, we manifest the goodness of God and proof of His existence.
How did Jesus manifest God’s existence and Who He is? In everything Jesus witnessed God the Father by telling the truth, healing the sick, and delivering those in bondage. In the same way we witness Christ by loving one another.
People are drawn to God by our love. It is not by making sacrifices or performing good deeds. In the love chapter 1 Corinthians 13 we have the definition and description of love. It is how we relate to one another practically, not spiritually. It is not manifested by the gifts of the Spirit through prophesy, speaking in tongues, performing miracles, or demonstrating great faith. These will go away.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 NIV
We testify of God’s existence and His Goodness not by having knowledge of the Word, but by demonstration of the Word. The early disciples were identified by how they treated one another and how they glorified Christ by their obedience.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35 NIV
Love is an action word. Working out our salvation is making God’s redemption known and understood by how we are blessed through following His Word.
“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ Matthew 7: 21-23 NLT
So, how do we testify of Who God is, and His Son Jesus Christ? Quite simply, we keep His commandments of LOVE.