THE COST OF WITNESSING
AUGUST 23, 2026
TEXT: “For we cannot but speak the things which we have heard.” (Acts 4:20)
Jesus Christ has saved us, not for us to just think of ourselves alone, but for us to also benefit others generally. He saved us and commissioned us to be witnesses unto others about His free package of salvation (Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15).
However, being a witness for Christ comes with a cost. The cost may involve rejection, inconvenience, pain, austerity, loss of popularity, criticism, stepping out of our comfort zone, persecution, sacrifice, etc.
As believers, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones and realize that the journey of evangelism is a tough one and requires a lot of diligence and doggedness. As believers, we must move outside the comfort zone of merely attending church, singing worship songs, listening to sermons, reading the Bible, praying privately, etc. We must learn how to go beyond personal spiritual activities and see to the needs of others who might be devoid of valuable salvation messages and encounters. We must go to public spaces where humans are and try to sympathize with them and ascertain whether or not they are saved. Passion for souls is the driving fuel of a genuine evangelist. Ask yourself, “Who around me has heard me speak about Jesus?” Evangelism begins when we leave the comfort of merely receiving and move to a point of giving.
Witnessing comes with different oppositions. In Acts 4:3, Peter and John were arrested for preaching the gospel. It is clear that doing God’s will does not guarantee that everyone will like you. Jesus explained to His disciples that the world would sometimes hate them as it had first hated Him. (John 15:18-20) Apostle Paul also admonished Timothy that all who live a godly life in Christ shall suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12).
As witnesses, we must put God above human pressure (Acts 4:18-19). The authorities commanded Peter and John not to speak in the name of Jesus, but Peter answered and told them that it was not right for them to hearken unto men instead of God. There will be times when people will pressure us to remain silent about our faith, but we must understand that God’s approval is more important than human pleasure (Galatians 1:10).
SEARCHLIGHT: Witnessing is a rigorous but unavoidable assignment, especially for kingdom-minded believers.
PRAYER: O LORD, help me to be able to bear the cost of witnessing, in Jesus’ Mighty Name.
BIBLE READING: Psalm 109-111, Matthew 9
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
