The world seems often uninterested in things that are whole, families that are peaceful, societies that progress together. Dissension and fighting get a lot more attention.
God's desire for people of faith is that they not only get along, but that they seek to be whole.
God has that desire also for your spirit. Seek that wholeness now in these quiet moments.
But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—“I believed, and so I spoke” —we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 4:13-15
I am an introvert. One of the ways that plays out in my relationships is that I am often slow to offer my opinion or to have one at all when it comes to what we’re having to eat or what movie the group is going to see. However, when something really matters to me, I don’t hold back. I speak up. I’m going to say what I believe no matter what someone else thinks.
The apostle Paul is encouraging the church in Corinth to do the same. In their common spirit of faith, their words should reflect what they truly believe. Don’t withhold the truth from anyone who has ears to hear. If you believe that Jesus is the true resurrected Son of God, then proclaim it with bravery, with boldness. The power of that truth, when it has come into your heart, will send a surge of authority to your voice. Speak the truth in love and with utmost respect (1 Peter 3:15).
And thanksgiving will overflow.
Valerie Burton
May the words of my mouth reflect the meditations of my heart. Lead me, O Lord, to boldly proclaim the truth of your salvation that is within me. Amen.
Allow the Lord to teach you the way of faith and truth, producing a heart undivided in its commitment to God's name.
Give thanks to God with your whole heart. Glorify God's name always, knowing that God's love for you is great and unwavering.
Inspired by Psalm 86