TRUTH

Jesus said to his disciples: “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me.” - John 15:18-21

Have you ever been attacked for your beliefs? I'm not talking about being attacked for your opinion or personal viewpoint. I'm referring to those moments when you have spoken the Truth revealed to us by God through his Son Jesus and safeguarded by the Holy Spirit through the Church.

When we strive to live out the example of Christ and preach it through our words and actions, there will be times when we will not be accepted. Not only will we not just be accepted, but we might end up being hated and persecuted. Ouch! I believe the thought of being rejected in fact causes many of us to remain silent and mind our own business. We think it is better to say nothing or we convince ourselves "who are we to say anything".

However, to speak the Truth of God is not about gaining the upper hand or bringing judgment upon somebody. It is not about being praised or thinking we are better than others. To be honest it is not even about us! It is truly about LOVE. The love to speak the truth even if it is not easy nor will it be accepted. The love to say, "your soul is more important to me than just keeping peace or minding my business."

This is never easy and yes we are afraid. We can never be too haste to speak nor speak in our own name. We must consult the Holy Spirit, who Christ promises to be with us, to guide and help us so that the truth remains about God and not about you and me.

God knows we need courageous men and women in our world today to speak the Truth. Men and women who look beyond their personal opinion and take the time to engage in study through reflection upon the revealed Word of God.

Will that person be you or me?