Break The Silence
Do not be afraid; keep on
speaking, do not be silent.
{Acts 18:9}
A lot of unhealthy things can happen because we are,
afraid. Afraid of being seriously ill, we ignore symptoms
and postpone long-overdue visits to the doctor. Afraid
of hearing what we don't like, we avoid calling home
while at college. Afraid of being in strange places, we
are robbed of the joy of travel and exploration. Afraid of
being hurt, we refuse to develop deep emotional attach-
ments. Afraid of being misunderstood, we make no effort
to communicate. Afraid of being thought weak, we
exaggerate our strengths.
Then there's also the fear that gripped Paul, God
addresses our fear as well. It's the fear of saying
the wrong thing, of of facing the consequences of
saying what we think. Sometimes, because we are
afraid, we fail to speak up. God knows that the fear
of being hurt may lead us to unhealthy silence that
prevents us from sharing God's Word and addressing
the needs of others.
Caving in to fear that keeps us silent means that the
gospel, which must be heardd, is not spoken. Being
afraid of being hurt creates a silence in which the
word of divine healing comes to no one.
How much better to lay our fears at the feet of our
heavenly Father, seek the courage to break our
silence, and speak the words that bring life.
Our Father, we know that perfect love chases
away fear. Help us to speak the truth, in love,
fearlessly...for your sake and the sake of
others who need to hear Your Word.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
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