4:144 – Speak Your Mind

#faithbites #faithjourney speak

Setting

If you are reading this, then you know I am not a quiet person. I speak my mind, wear my heart on my sleeve, and usually, just say it how I see it. That has gotten me into trouble over the years, but I’m working on it. I’ve also seen so many situations that could be avoided or resolved if people just used their words. One of my biggest frustrations is when my daughters get mad, embarrassed, or upset, they shut down. No words, no nothing. If they would just explain what is going on, then we could fix it. I know, they are different than me and just need to process before speaking. This also came up recently with vaccine passports and such. Heck, I don’t care who knows about my medical history. I share about my mental health all the time. But then again, that is me.

Same thing in the work world. Some have said I have plans and agendas. Absolutely true. But they aren’t hidden, I throw it out for everyone to see. Sure, I’m an oversharer but that’s how God made me.

Speaking of God, we are made by him to share his word. We can’t do that if we don’t speak what’s on our hearts and mind. If we are silent, the word never spreads. If we see things that don’t align with his teachings, we need to speak about it. That being said, you can do it with love, kindness, and respect. The other person also has the right to speak their mind as well, so tread with love.

Today’s Quesitons: Why don’t we speak our minds when we are hurt, angry or upset? Why aren’t we open about our faith? What can we do to speak more with kind hearts?

Scripture

• Ephesians 5:11 – Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
• Proverbs 31:8-9 – Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. ⁹ Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
• Ephesians 4:15-16 – Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Reflection

We are called to speak up on three related topics.

The first is sharing God’s word. Sharing this truth, in love and kindness, helps each other become closer to Christ. The entire body works together better. When sharing, we must ensure Christ’s love comes across.

The second is exposing the darkness. We can’t sit idly by and watch bad things happen. As Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”. We are called in Ephesians 5:11 to not take part in evil and to expose it. If we are bystanders and say nothing, evil wins. Bystander intervention is hard, but we must stand up and expose evil.

The third topic, standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves. If you do nothing, evil wins. If you are in a position of power, any type of power, use it to help the poor and the helpless so they get justice.

Today’s #faithbites is pretty serious in that we have a mission to speak out, up, and for. We are blessed to have the ability to share the forgiveness of Christ, help others succeed, and vanquish evil. (I love the word vanquish, makes me sound like a medieval warrior or cleric). As we close, don’t keep you voice hidden or quiet. Use what God gave you to fight and help those in need.

Prayer

Father God, you have shown your voice in your word and your actions on earth. Nahum 1:5 tells us that, “The mountains quake before him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it.” You are powerful. We seek your help to be more like you. Help us to use our voice to help those who need it. Lord, we pray to become people who live out your word everyday. Let us be open about you, share your word, stand up for those who need us, and build relationships in you. Finally Lord, let our voice be kind, loving, truth-based, and always focused on doing what you would do. We pray all of this in your name, Amen.