Anne’s Wise Words
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada here to talk to you about living as a witness.
When it comes to witnessing, we always think about words, right? We tell people about Jesus, get into conversations about his gospel; we talk to others, thinking of the right words to choose. Speaking about the Lord is something that should be as natural as saying “God bless you.” But sometimes it’s not what you say that conveys the gospel; it’s what you don’t say. In fact, I experienced this the other day.
I had purchased a brand-new shirt from Chico’s. I loved the color, and it fits just right. The first day – I mean the very first day I wore it – Ken and I were eating a meal together, and he wanted me to enjoy a bite of his dessert. “Try this ice cream,” he said, “it’s really good.” No thanks, I told him. I’m full. “Joni, you have to try this, it’s so good. Come on,” he insisted. He held out the full spoon, with his other hand cupping it. I gave him an “okay, you win” look, and he put it to up for me to taste. No sooner did I open my mouth, when soupy ice cream dripped on my nice new shirt. Ken was horrified. “Oh no, look what I did, I’m so sorry,” he said because he knew the shirt was brand-new. Somehow, I knew this was going to happen and I told him, “it’s okay, it’s okay.” So, then he tried to wipe it off with a wet tissue. “Really, don’t worry about it, Ken, it’s no problem.” I could tell he felt awful. “Ken Tada, it’s fine, it’ll come out in the wash, don’t worry. It’s just a shirt.”
Right there my husband tried to convince me to go on-line to Chico’s and buy a replacement. But really, it was okay. Honestly. And, much later on, the next day he, well… Ken Tada thanked me and shared how grateful he was that I gave him such a free pass. I think he knew what he would’ve said had I spilled something on his nice, new shirt. But that’s another story. Anyway, the point is, I don’t know if Ken realized it or not, but what I really gave him was the gospel. Not through what I said, but what I did not say. I did not say, “Why did you make me take that ice cream?” or “I can’t believe you did that; don’t you know this is a brand new blouse!” Now sure, there was a time I would’ve said those grating, accusing words. But this time, they were never spoken, those words. What I said was, “Sweetheart, it’s just a blouse. Life is bigger, my time together with you is so much bigger than a soiled shirt.”
That right there may be the best way to give the Gospel, especially in the small irritations of life. Yes, you can declare the gospel with persuasive words, but to demonstrate the good news with unspoken words: that is mercy, and maybe it might be just as poweful, if not much more powerful than what you say. To show the Good News in action, not just talk about it. Long ago, early on in our marriage, I memorized First Corinthians 13. Because when it comes to marriage, there’s nothing like that phrase “Love does not keep a record of wrongs.” Wow! Anne Graham Lotz once said, “A witness that is lived can be as powerful as one that is spoken. It’s not what you say [but sometimes what you don’t say] that catches the attention of those around you, which is one reason God allows injustice and hardship because problems offer us the opportunity to give silent, relevant witness to the difference faith in God can make.” Oh friend, it’s a way to witness about the mercy of Jesus. And it is oh so powerful. Just ask my husband.
© Joni and Friends
