Silenced
There are times when I feel something needs to be said, but I remain silent, not wanting to offend or cause problems.
One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, 'Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, for there are many in this city who are my people.' - Acts 18:9-10
In today's reading, Paul finds himself arguing for what he believes is right and true, and among his own people, he is rejected.
He decides, instead to go to those who will listen, and God encourages him to continue to speak.
Do not let yourself be silenced. That is what God is telling him, and it is a good lesson for all of us.
If we truly believe there is something we must say, we should have the courage to say it without fear, without guilt. Many will seek to silence the voices they do not want to hear, but those are the voices we need to hear.
If we surround ourselves with only those voices we agree with, what will we learn? How will we grow?
The next time I hear something I totally disagree with, I will refrain from overreacting, and I will listen. It may be painful to hold back my emotions while the person speaks, but I will try to give him time to make his case or plant his message.
Then I will offer my thoughts and concerns, hoping he will do the same and listen.
In the end, we may both walk away without having changed our views at all, but we will have had ears to listen and eyes to see.
And that, I think, is the point Jesus makes over and over again.
Love one another.
More to come...