Are You stirred by the truth?

DO YOU HAVE ANY CONVICTION ABOUT ANYTHING?
With the presidential campaign in full swing, hate talk is everywhere. Strong convictions and opinions are ruling the conversation for many. The difference between an opinion and a conviction is that one is supported by personal subjective feelings and desires, while the other, conviction, is persuaded by, and convinced by, unchanging, absolute truth. Truth matters, whether we agree with it or despise it. In the end, truth always wins out. Jesus prayed for His followers "Father, sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth."(Jn. 17:17)

ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT TRUTH?
How about you? I am NOT talking about who you like in the campaign. I am NOT asking you if you practice hate talking. I am asking you "Do you have strong convictions about anything?" What makes you angry, what makes you scream, what makes you pound your fist on the table? Are you passionate about anything? Does truth affect you?

ARE YOU AFRAID OF OFFENDING OTHERS?
Would you prefer to be ignored, or hated? Most people, including myself, prefer to be liked. But if you are going to influence those around you, then you must be a truth talker, and absolute truth disturbs most people.
Jesus was rejected, despised, and put to death because He was, is, and will forever be the Truth.
You will never be a cause for change, an influencer for the gospel, if you are afraid of being disliked, or rejected.
Jesus said of His followers "If they hated me, they will also hate you." (Jn. 15:18)

ARE YOU RELUCTANT TO SPEAK GOD'S WORD?
Whether the conversation is about the economy, sexuality, marriage, immigration, gun control, or religion, as a Christian you are responsible to proclaim what you are convinced is the truth according to God's word, even if we are rejected. Even though as believers we may not agree, we must be willing to speak to one another, and the world, what is true, noble, admirable, and praiseworthy, even when it offends.

Most importantly, let us love those who are offended by the truth, all the way to the end.
If God can change you and I, then no one is beyond His irresistible grace!