Methods of Preaching the Good News—Informal Witnessing
Jesus told those who were paying attention to his word: “You are the light of the world. . . . Let your light shine before men, that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens.” (Matt. 5:14-16) These disciples should reflect God’s ways by imitating Jesus Christ, who also said: “I am the light of the world.” Jesus set the example for Christians in letting “the light of life” shine for the benefit of all who would listen.—John 8:12.
The apostle Paul likewise set an example for us to follow. (1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1) While in Athens, he witnessed every day in the marketplace to those who happened to be on hand. (Acts 17:17) The Christians in Philippi followed his example, and he addressed them as ‘illuminators in the world, shining among a crooked and twisted generation.’ (Phil. 2:15) We today can also let the Kingdom truth shine forth by our words and actions whenever there is an opportunity for us to tell others about the good news. True, our good example as honest and upright people may in itself draw attention to the fact that we are different from the majority of mankind. However, if we open our mouth to speak the good news to those who see our fine example, they will get to know why we are different from the rest.
Many of Jehovah’s Witnesses present the good news to people whom they meet daily in their secular work, at school, or while going about their normal affairs of life. When on a journey, we may have the opportunity to talk with fellow travelers. Individually, we must be alert to opportunities to turn ordinary conversation into a witness and be prepared to speak with others on every appropriate occasion.
We will be encouraged to share the good news with others if we keep in mind that whenever we do so, we are praising our Creator and bringing honor to his name. At the same time, we may be able to help honesthearted ones come to know Jehovah so that they too can serve him and gain the hope of life that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. All of this is sacred service, and it is pleasing to God.—Heb. 12:28; Rev. 7:9, 10.