We Have a Duty To Speak Up

I am a Christian. A believer. I have a great faith in God Almighty.

I was raised in the church and I did a lot of observing over the years as I grew up. I witnessed many situations, controversies, and heartaches occur in God’s people. And I watched how they handled it.

For the most part, I have been blessed to have been around some very authentic and genuine believers. People with a strong faith in God. They have been grounded and focused on what God’s Word says.

Time and time again, I’ve watched people handle challenges and hurdles with grace, integrity, honesty, and mercy.

I’ve seen people forgive. 

I’ve watched hearts heal.

And I’ve also seen many, many people bite their tongues. Swallow their hurt. Ignore an offense (publicly) but privately weep. I’ve seen believers try to take the “high road,” when in reality, they should have spoken up.

I believe we are God’s warriors. We are His representatives. And I believe that He wants us to speak up on His behalf. He wants us to lovingly confront a brother or sister in the Lord when they are walking in sin. He wants us to speak up for an unborn child who can’t speak for themselves. He wants us to forgive – yes. But He wants people’s lives to be changed. To grow. And that can’t happen if we don’t disciple one another and walk with each other.

Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.  Col. 4:6

I hate confrontation just as much as the next person. But if I love someone, I should be willing to do the hard thing  - the tough thing. I can’t always be a compliant friend. I can’t always resolve to not get involved. Injustice is injustice. And we should stand against it.

We have a right and a responsibility to fight for the very morals and values we say we believe in. Not in an abrasive way. Not in a rude way. Not in a legalistic or snobby way. But with a heart of love, grace, and gentleness. 

As our God would.

Yes, sometimes we have a duty to speak up. To not sit by idly. To not turn our heads. But to speak up. To fight for what is right. To stand for what is good.