Are you silent when you should be speaking up? (Devo #90)

Are you silent when you should be speaking up?

The other day, my husband came home from a haircut. He said that his barber was going off about something political that he disagreed with. But he agreed with him anyway, so as not to rock the boat.

I sat there disgusted, honestly. Why are we hiding in silence? This is why things got so out of hand in the first place! Because nobody wants to stick up for what they believe in because they don’t want the repercussions or backlash.

I started to get angry about it. “What would Jesus do?” is what I kept repeatedly asking him, “Jesus wouldn’t have lied and agreed with him! He would have just lovingly said he didn’t agree and why!”

I sat in silence for the next hour cause all I could see was red. And in those silent moments, I realized that many people live in fear. They are afraid to rock the boat, afraid to offend someone with their opinion.

But if all you say is said in love, you shouldn’t be afraid to say it.

If it lines up with the Word, is gentle in it’s delivery and comes from a loving place, you should not be afraid to say it.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. Proverbs 31:8-9

The Bible encourages us to speak up.

Many people are too angry or scared to speak up for themselves. We have seen a lot of that this past year. But we aren’t supposed to be silent. And we especially shouldn’t be silent about the things that are important to God. We are supposed to be the ones creating change and loving everyone we come in contact with.

Our country is being crushed with injustice. We need to stop being so afraid to stand up and speak out.

But everything we do should be done in love. Because when it is not, it won’t bring unity, healthy change, or peace. It will just stir up dissension among all of us.

Don’t be afraid to be honest in love with those around you. The Bible is so clear on what it agrees and disagrees with. We need to be bold in our faith and stand up for the things God stands up for. It’s time to be the voice of all those who won’t speak for themselves or are too scared to.

So, are you silent when you should be speaking up?

Response Questions
1. Do you tend to stay silent or speak up?
2. How can you speak up in a loving way?

Pray with me!
Father God, forgive me for living in fear. I don’t want to be silent about the things that are important to you. Help me to have the right mindset. I want to be gentle with how I speak to people. I want everything I say to come from a loving place. Help me to stand up for the things that matter. Give me grace and wisdom as I navigate stepping out in boldness. Let me love in all that I do. Help me to see things like you see them. Help me to be more like you.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

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