The lecture discusses Christ’s words: “You shall be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8), explaining that witnessing for Christ is not by words only, but by life and conduct, by practically transmitting faith to the family and society.
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III calls every Christian to live as a living example of Christ — in home, work, and service — bearing spiritual fruit that glorifies God.

1. Witnessing through life before words

A true Christian witnesses to Christ through his life and deeds before his words.
The Lord said: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
A pure life, gentle word, and humble spirit are a silent testimony stronger than any sermon.

2. Witnessing inside the home

A believer must first witness to Christ within his family — through love, humility, and peace.
Parents witness by teaching and praying with their children, as God commanded in Deuteronomy: “Teach them diligently to your children and talk of them when you sit in your house.”
He who cannot witness to Christ in his home cannot witness to Him in the world.

3. Witnessing in society

Witnessing extends to friends, coworkers, and acquaintances through good example, control of speech, and spreading love and joy.
A kind or spiritual word can transform a person.
The believer is called to be “a living epistle of Christ, known and read by all men.”

4. Service as witnessing

Serving in the Church is a form of witnessing. Even those not in official ministry can witness by helping the poor, comforting the sorrowful, and visiting the sick with encouraging words.
Christ said: “I was sick and you visited Me.” Every act of love is a testimony to Him.

5. Witnessing through the word

A spiritual word — direct or indirect — is a powerful way to witness.
It could be a book, a cassette, or a saint’s story — what matters is that the Word of God reaches hearts.
A good word never perishes; it bears fruit in due time.

6. Witnessing by bearing fruit

The unfruitful branch is cut off, but the fruitful one receives more grace.
When a person works for God, God increases his strength and opportunities.
Witnessing for Christ helps the believer grow spiritually and in love for God.

7. Spiritual fruits of witnessing

Those who witness for Christ receive joy, love, and spiritual experience, sharing in God’s work of salvation.
As St. Paul said: “We are co-workers with God.”
Thus, witnessing becomes a path to holiness and a crown of righteousness in heaven.

8. The personal call to witness

Christ calls each believer to ask:
What is the measure of my witness to the Lord?
How many souls have I led to Him?
Do people see Christ in my life and speech?
Witnessing is not optional — it is a divine calling: “You shall be My witnesses.”

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