Apr 02 2010
Speaking Up
The one thing I struggle most is figuring out when to speak up. All sorts of things go into my mind when I hear something I don’t like. Unfortunately, most of them are anger. Anger about the unfairness. Anger about the injustice. Anger about the lies.
I have to figure out why I’m feeling angry. Is it for selfish reason? Is it my ego or pride being hurt?
Or is it because injustice is happening to other people? Other people’s rights are being trampled? Others are hurt, secluded, discriminated, or extorted?
There’s the difference: It’s not about me. If I think it’s going to benefit many people that I speak up, then I must do that. But I must do so in truth, kindness, and gentleness. I must not succumb to fear and anger, because it’s not what God wants me to do (2 Timothy 1:7).
I speak up to represent God’s light – to lead the world to Christ.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
James 1:19-20
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Colossians 3:8-10
