You will proclaim today. With the tongue the heart speaks. Will you proclaim My Name, or will you remain still? Fear is proclaimed in silence. You are life to them, as to them you bring the light of My Word. You have My life. They hear you. Speak life. With the tongue there is hope; in silence they remain in darkness. Speak. It will not draw blood from you. You shall not be harmed. There are those who speak surrounded by threat. What do you fear? Pray; that you would hear My Word in its time to give. Love first, that you might be heard. Why do you wait for another? Be ready to speak when they raise their head to the light, that their eyes would be opened. Find remorse in their darkness, and you will have joy in the speaking. The seed is not an oak, but never will it be without the planting. The harvest of the grove is lost for silence.
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV) – Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Bottom Line: Speaking to others about our faith is easy with those who already share it, but talking about faith with a possibly unbelieving coworker, customer, or vendor is quite another story. It can be awkward, and if they are already friends or acquaintances, we can be afraid of hurting the relationship. Our care for others has to go beyond the fear of our own rejection. We are called to always be ready to give a reason for our hope. Be ready, be brave, and be alert. The Lord will give you just the right opportunity to plant His seed. And when you plant it with love, you will find joy in the privilege. Faith comes from hearing, and that is true not only from pastors and preachers.
