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CV NEWS FEED // The National Eucharistic Congress recently offered tips on how to share a personal faith testimony about God’s grace working in one’s life. The Congress pointed out that the First Letter of St. Peter encourages this, as it reads: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence …” (1 Peter 3:15-16).
A testimony recounts a transformative instance encountering God’s grace and assistance in one’s life.
“The purpose of sharing a personal testimony is to illuminate the divine intervention you’ve experienced, thereby enriching the faith of those who hear your story,” the Congress stated Dec. 4. The Congress is a part of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ multi-year Eucharistic Revival initiative.
The Congress offered a three-part structure for sharing one’s testimony.
“Be authentic, and focus on how Christ has impacted your life,” it recommends. “This story is ultimately about him, so ensure that you are authentically sharing about God’s actions.”
First, offer context about life before being open to receiving God’s grace. This is not meant to be an opportunity to “glorify sin” or struggles, the Congress noted, but rather to provide an honest and sincere recount of one’s story.
Second, share about the moment, or moments, when God intervened, and the change of heart or feelings that occurred.
Third, talk about life since the grace-filled encounter and how God has worked through that instance.
“Your story does not have to be about an unhappy or distressing time in your faith journey,” the Congress added. “Your testimony could be anything. It could refer to the birth of a child, an encounter with God through a joyful encounter with a stranger, etc.”
Pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance on what to share about. Depending on the situation, it may be appropriate to share an abbreviated version or a more detailed version that is longer.
The Congress added: “Preparing a few different versions will ensure you are equipped for any opportunity, just as the Sacred Scripture instructs.”
