The Happy Warrior
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 I may speak in different languages, whether human or even of angels. But if I don’t have love, I am only a noisy bell or a ringing cymbal. I may have the gift of prophecy, I may understand all secrets and know everything there is to know, and I may have faith so great that I can move mountains. But even with all this, if I don’t have love, I am nothing. I may give away everything I have to help others, and I may even give my body as an offering to be burned. But I gain nothing by doing all this if I don’t have love.
So, another question for you today. When you speak up in defence of the truth, in defence, perhaps, of your faith, how do you speak? What does the expression on your face and the tone in your voice say to those who are listening?
It’s not an easy call, is it? When you see something that’s wrong … when you see a lie being peddled, a lie that’s doing a lot of damage, should you speak up, or should you remain silent?
Well, that depends, I guess, on a number of things – the context, the degree to which you feel qualified or able to make your point – lots of things. But let’s say you’re sharp as a whip. You’re locked, loaded and ready to make your point. How should you speak?
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 I may speak in different languages, whether human or even of angels. But if I don’t have love, I am only a noisy bell or a ringing cymbal. I may have the gift of prophecy, I may understand all secrets and know everything there is to know, and I may have faith so great that I can move mountains. But even with all this, if I don’t have love, I am nothing. I may give away everything I have to help others, and I may even give my body as an offering to be burned. But I gain nothing by doing all this if I don’t have love.
I was listening to a well-known journalist recently who also happens to be a Christian. He said that by all means we should speak up for and defend the truth. And yes, we should be as clever as the people who oppose us … but much more cheerful. We, in Christ’s name, should be known as the happy warriors.
Speak the truth in love.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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