By  Letitia M. Peyton

 

 

“Owe no one anything, except to love one another;
for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.”  ~ Romans 13:8

 

In Romans 13:9, the Apostle Paul reminds us of the fundamental principles of our faith. “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” These words echo throughout the ages, guiding us toward the core of Christianity: love. Love is the very essence of God’s law, the source of our moral compass. It is the foundation on which we must build our lives.

In my office, a wine bottle hanger humorously proclaims, “Good friends and a bottle of wine are cheaper than therapy.” Indeed, the warmth of friendship and shared moments can provide solace in life’s trials. However, this sentiment comes with a profound caveat: “But if your good friends will not correct you or steer you to the Truth, they are not your friends.” True friends are those who care deeply for your well-being, not just in pleasant times but especially when the path to truth and righteousness requires correction.

Warning and Saving Souls

Ezekiel 33:8-9 delivers a stern message about our responsibility to warn the wicked. “O wicked man, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at your hand.” We are called not only to love but also to be stewards of truth and righteousness. Our silence in the face of evil has consequences for others and ourselves.

Our faith calls us to be resolute and unwavering, much like a sturdy oak tree in a storm. We must stand strong, rooted in our beliefs, and resolute in our commitment to righteousness. Strength in faith bolsters our courage to confront the challenges that test our convictions.

Choosing the Path of Truth and Love

As Father Mark Beard wisely asserted, “We have to stop straddling the fence. We are either all in or not.” Our faith calls us to take a stand, to be courageous in speaking the truth with prudence and kindness. We must not fear the pushback, for the pursuit of truth and the practice of love require us to be unwavering in our commitment.

Boldness in speaking the truth is not about brashness or arrogance but rather a resounding commitment to upholding what is right and just. It requires the strength to share the truth with kindness and empathy, even when it is met with resistance. Our faith demands that we be unafraid to confront falsehoods and lead others toward the light of truth.

Let us begin a transformation to be strong in our faith, courageous in our actions, and bold in speaking the truth. True friends are those who support us not only in times of joy but also in moments when correction and guidance are needed. May we embrace these values and principles as we navigate our journey through life, seeking truth and righteousness together.

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Grant us the courage to stand firm in love, truth, and righteousness. Please help us speak out against wickedness with prudence and kindness, knowing our silence can lead to consequences. We pray for the wisdom to discern when and how to warn the wicked and the strength to act in accordance with your will. May we never falter in our commitment to love our neighbors as ourselves, for in doing so, we fulfill your law. Amen.

 

Call to Action

I commit to speaking the Truth about situations I have been avoiding out of fear of pushback. I will do a self-check and be truthful with my weaknesses that need to be strengthened not only to save my soul and those I love so deeply.

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