It’s Time To Speak Truth With Love

We cannot be worried about labels or backlash when it comes to speaking against the evil that is running around like a lion looking to devour our children. We all must cry out to God for detachment and courage to speak truth with love. Every single one of us is here for such a time as this, so let’s get busy.

Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them (Ephesians 5:11).

Why Do You Believe What You Believe

I like to lean on God when it comes to speaking truth. I used to feel like it was all on my shoulders to say the right thing and defend my faith like a theologian or apologetic. Clearly, if you have read any of my articles, I am far from either of those. No matter, I am called by God to be a disciple and make disciples. You are, too, but how?

It was the Holy Spirit who put in my heart this unquenchable thirst to learn all I could about the Catholic Faith. I still research and learn every day. If you do not know the teachings or perhaps disagree with the teachings of the Church, you may want to take a look at how you are forming your conscience. What we believe should form our thoughts, words, and deeds. If you are not sure why God commands us to be Saints and to live holy lives, that is the place to start. If you have questions about certain teachings, look up the word Catholic and that teaching online, and you will find quite a lot of information. Another great resource, which is free online, is the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We should know why we are Catholic, shouldn’t we?

What Is Your Personal Story

If there is an encounter you had with Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) or through the Eucharist at Mass or Adoration, these are beautiful moments to integrate with teachings. Any kind of encounter with God is what truly entices one to learn more. People want to hear stories, not Catechesis. They want to relate to you, they want to see that this “Church of which you speak,” is truly transforming you. If you are not filled with peace, hope, and joy they will not be attracted. You are Jesus’ hands, feet, and tongue – are you a good witness of Jesus’ Church?

You are what is going to bring people to the Church. You can only control yourself. So, if you are not praying or are acting contrary to how God wants you to live, you are opening yourself up to a big plate of hypocritical pie. That will be hard to eat and the worst part is everyone must have a piece. I beg you to work on your mind, body, soul, and spirit first with God to be that light of witness and truth. God’s transformation, peace, hope, and joy will follow.

Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope (1Peter 3:14-15).

The More you Read The Word, The More The Word Reads You

I was 45 years old when my chubby little fingers touched a Bible for the first time. I was intimidated by that book. I started with the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and began my podcast search for online stuff to help me understand what they were saying. I read the Bible every day, the Daily Readings at least. The more I read, the more amazed I am how the Bible changes as I grow spiritually and how much God is transforming me through His Word. I am not a person who can whip out Chapter and Verse of the Bible. I know the Bible, though – so I can reference it when I am presenting or talking to someone. It might be better that I don’t quote it, sometimes it is better received in normal conversation for a non-bible reader. This is another way I lean on God and His Word. It takes the pressure off me. For example, when I am talking about a tough teaching I say, “Hey, it’s not me saying this, it’s in the Bible when Jesus said…” I am propped up by God. I also use the Catechism. My two crutches that I know will help you, too.

He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned (Mark 16:15-16).

It all goes hand in hand – prayer, wisdom, and courage. The deeper our relationship with God is through prayer the more His Wisdom is poured into our hearts and the courage to live for the Audience of One grows. I do not want to be looking at Jesus on Judgement Day and say, “Sorry, Jesus, I was afraid of being called a homophobe, transphobe, Jesus-freak, right-wing supremacist, conspiracy theorist, racist, or for being persecuted.” Nope, I am not going to do it.

The Truth And Prayer Will Set You Free

If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you (John 14:15-17).

Don’t gloss over the first verse, because if we do our best to live as God commands and use the Sacrament of Reconciliation to reconnect our hearts to God when we fall, the Holy Spirit will be within us and guide us always to truth. Remember, our witness is the most important and grace comes through prayer.

Some of us do not know the Bible, Catechism, or practical ways to speak truth with love. There are a lot of resources out there to help you learn. I encourage all of you to dive deeper. I am working on a project to compile all of that together – please pray for me as I am battling procrastination. Now is the time, Kendra, the world needs it. Thanks, in advance, for your prayers.

If you do not know how to pray, please seek out resources to pray. I designed a video prayer course if you would like me to walk with you every day for forty days. Do not delay, we cannot be the saints or disciples God calls us to be without Him marching with us every step of the way.

Be strong and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).