Speak the truth with kindness
Speak the truth in love. Speak the truth in gentleness and humility, but by all means, speak. If we are to be helpful, we who know Christ, we who know the truth of God's good creation, are called upon to raise our voices, and to do so here, there, and just about everywhere.
Mind you, there are always words of caution, but silence is not an option. It is good to heed words of wisdom, but those words mean more when offered by someone who is actually in the arena, actually raising his voice, speaking in a way that can be heard. If we are to offer gentle words of wisdom on how not to speak, so also should we offer up examples of how to speak and how to do so courageously.
Think of those who are in the arena, those whom you admire, and follow their lead. Ask what the world is lying about, about how the world deceives, and then offer up a rebuttal. Truth is on our side, but it does no good if it is not taught, explained, expounded upon. This certainly goes for the matter of life. It may be that some 45% of our own LCMS members are "pro-choice" (I do not know if that number is accurate), but in such a case, feathers need to be ruffled. So also with the gender crisis, which is affecting so many families of the faithful, with brutal medical and surgical treatments that are brutal.
And so it goes. John the Baptist could speak the truth from the perspective not of the temple insider, like his father, but as one who was in the desert. Luther spoke forcefully not as a Roman cardinal, but as a monk in far away Wittenberg. Being on the outside lends itself to seeing and saying things that need to be said. This is the history of many of the prophets who did not dine at the table with the king.
As such, if we are to remain vital, if we are to remain courageous, if we are to foster fidelity, we do well to hear the voices of those who cry in the wilderness. And we may even learn from them, and do likewise.
The Rev. Dr. Peter Scaer is a professor at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Be Informed
Does pro-life equal pro-law enforcement? Delano Squires of the Heritage Foundation explains.
Be Equipped
Learn about H.R. 8404, which was passed by Congress in December 2022 to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and to open the door to any future redefinitions of marriage, and its impact today.
Be Encouraged
“Praise God that He allows us both to live in holy matrimony and to confess it to our sad and lonely neighbors. While Satan vainly seeks to stamp out true joy and laughter, God has given us to laugh and, through this joyous confession, to lead sad souls into the feast. The dour mobs that outlaw happiness are to be pitied more than feared.”
