Silence and Peace
“Be angry, and do not sin.Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And put your trust in the LORD.”
Psalm 4: 4-5
And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?”
But Jesus kept silent.
Matt 26: 62-63
Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.”
Throughout my life as non-Christian, and then as a young Christian then, I have never stopped to argue or disagree with someone regarding any issues which I am deeply convicted about. Even when there were times when I was truly wrong, I would never compromise and argue my way through.
I thank God for His Grace and Mercy in my life. I thank God for loving me for whom I am, never judging me and forsaking me even when I have sinned so many times. If I have never given my heart to Jesus, I can never imagine where I would have been now. I may be wasting my time away, never truly experiencing the true purposes of life, and ultimately, will never be a blessing to the people around me.
I want my life to be a witness for God. From the moment I became a Christian, many things have changed. Just like the song we’ve always sang, “Now You’re near, everything is different….”
Holy Spirit has taught me so many things. There are many times where the Holy Spirit reminded me about certain issues in life, about my actions, my words, my thinking, my life, my spiritual walk, my work….. He is like my fatherly teacher, who is always with me, and speaking into my heart, through a small still voice… I can feel Him, and hear him.
One thing I really notice about God and His ways – Peace.
Our Father’s preferred method of doing things is Peace. This leads me to think about the things that I do, my actions and speech, and my reactions to others. Does what comes out of me contribute to Peace? If it is not of Peace, I must not do it.
"Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on YOU, live peaceably with ALL men."
Rom 12 : 17-18
No wonder Bible taught about “Sacrifice of Righteousness”. Sometimes I will have friends and colleagues speaking about the negative aspects of Christianity. They do not understand what is meant by “a relationship with God”. They do not understand what was written in the bible. They have never experience the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. They have never encountered the glorious visit of God in their comfortable bed room when they are shivering. They have never a testimony to share, nor a miracle to witness. They have never feel the warmth of having angels around when they pray, neither the comfort a Heavenly Father can give when they are in distress. They have never understood the Promises a Heavenly Father will give to His precious children.
When you’re faced with such cynical people, what is your reaction? When you’re faced with people who just want to argue with you, what do you do?
My leaders have taught me – Silence.
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”
Gal 6: 1
Many times I feel that it is really useless to keep arguing with someone, and to insist the Truth upon certain people. No matter whether you’re discussing about Christianity, or other issues, if a person is not open or even adverse about a particular issue, it is really important that we remain silent. Sometimes we should just walk away, and not allow strife to grow, with our burning emotions. Bible tells us to “Flee away from all temptations”. When we are not careful to guard our heart, we can easily say words that offend people or hurt their feelings.
Jesus taught, “Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” Matt 15: 10-11
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..” Gal 5: 22
To have peace, we need definitely need gentleness and self control.
Whenever people around me argue with me about certain issues, there are times when I just feel like standing up and shout at them. Especially when they criticize about my heavenly Father. But one thing the Holy Spirit has reminded me, even when Jesus was faced with persecution, He uttered not a word. He was gentle. He was silent. He was full of Love – He forgave us.
What wrong have I suffered? Is this wrong more than what Jesus has suffered? Yet in all these things, Jesus was not agitated. He was calm and gentle. He did not curse the people who mocked at Him.
Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?”
But He answered not him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.
Matt 27: 13-14
Pondering about these, there remains no spirit in me to fight back with those ignorant people. My God is real. I have known Him and I pray that nothing can separate my love for Him. Yet there are people who are blinded by a vicious veil. I feel so sorry for them.
“…..I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.” 1 Cor 14: 19
This is something I have yet to master. But I will not give up.
Beyond the silence, the best thing we can do next - PRAY.
Labels: Sermons and Revelatns
posted by Fleur De La Lune @ 1:39 pm
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