Thursday, December 2, 2021

Thursday, December 2 

 …dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear. (Philippians 1:14)

In this passage, Paul states that his imprisonment has resulted in people speaking more boldly the Word of God. Yes, some proclaim the Word for selfish or ambitious reasons, and others out of good will, but Paul doesn’t seem obsessed with motive. He delights in the simple fact that the gospel is being shared. 

Like Paul, we find ourselves in turbulent times. We, too, should be emboldened to speak with confidence about Christ, knowing that he is the way to hope.

Christ is love. And that love is the foundation of hope. We proclaim the Word, not just in what we say, but more importantly in what we do, as our actions “speak” louder than our words.

I’ve often heard from pastors that the opposite of love isn’t hate, but selfishness. That implies that to love another requires self-less acts, where we put the needs of others above our needs.

As I reflect on this past year, I can say I’ve witnessed many self-less acts:

·        Neighbor helping neighbor through devastating disasters this summer with record tornadoes and insurmountable flooding;

·        Residents and staff at our retirement communities, helping one another through the lingering fear and loneliness caused by the pandemic;

·        Congregations rolling out the welcome mat to embrace those arriving in America to escape harassment and possible death in Afghanistan; and

·         Healthcare workers who once again put their own anxieties aside to save countless lives as the delta variant surges.

Acts of love that lead to hope. I can’t think of any bolder way to “speak” the Word of God.

Prayer: God, we give thanks for your son, Jesus, who shows us how to love.  Send your Spirit to embolden us to “speak” your Word.

Patty Cline, Director of Advancement for Liberty Lutheran, is a member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Jenkintown.