Creating a Moment – 1 John 5:9-13

A text – 1 John 5:9-13
5:9 If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son.
5:10 Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son.
5:11 And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
5:12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

A reflection:

Human testimony to faith in God is a good thing.

At its very best, human testimony opens the listener to the Holy Spirit’s nudging.

When someone becomes a believer in Jesus Christ, it isn’t that person’s doing, nor is it the work of the person who has been testifying or telling a faith story. It is always the Holy Spirit, sort of flying into that room and blowing around and inspiring the listener to breathe in God’s presence and be part of it.

Testifying or sharing a faith story is just the moment in time when a person might realize or pay attention to the Holy Spirit’s presence, like that eunuch in the chariot that Philip talked to. Suddenly he wanted to be baptized. That wasn’t Philip’s doing – but Philip was there with the man, talking to him, and giving the Holy Spirit a chance to inspire the man (inspire can mean “breathe in”).

This makes “evangelism” a lot easier and less fearsome on a human level.

If we share the Good News with someone, even in our daily or weekly behavior with them, even if we don’t mention Jesus, perhaps, we create a moment. We aren’t pushing our faith down their throat. We might just be holding a moment open for the Holy Spirit to do the work that the Holy Spirit does every single day: get someone’s attention and give them peace and purpose.

This happens best when you already have a relationship with someone: your grocery clerk, your barista, your neighbor, your meals on wheels person, your grandchild. Create a little space and time. Create a little moment. Watch the Holy Spirit do the work. I tell you, miracles can happen.

A prayer:

Lord God of all, Thank you for loving us. Thank you for your Holy Spirit. Help us fulfill the mission you give us by creating moments with people who trust us. Let your Spirit work and mildly and slowly, or as quickly and vigorously as it already knows to do. Thank you for letting us be part of your work.    Amen.