Between Shouting and Silence
Ecclesiastes 3:7 teaches that silence and speech are both necessary parts of life, and both require discernment and wisdom to know which is appropriate in any given situation.
In today’s world, I struggle with when to speak and when to remain silent. Many of my family and friends and people I love, have a polar opposite opinion on how to live a Christian life. My soul hurts when I see a post or hear an opinion from someone I love that is untrue or hurtful to others. When I see hurtful or, in my opinion, mis-informed “facts” expressed by someone I love on social media, my first instinct is to respond with my facts and opinions.
My Methodist faith has always taught me to advocate for the oppressed, but it has also always commanded me, through Jesus’ words, to love my neighbor. I have no desire to be blocked or removed by those with differing views from mine. For some of them, it is the only contact we have. What I have come to realize is those who have strong opinions will most likely never be persuaded to change. With this understanding, I seldom respond directly to the person. I remain silent. However, there is value in countering the opinion with one of my own. There is strength in sharing events or opinions that advocate for causes I believe in.
When a situation or cause speaks strongly to my belief, I share the event or opinion or fact to my Facebook page. I also am aware that only my FB friends will see my opinion so my “influence” is limited, but there is always the hope that someone will change their opinion due to what I say.
Prayer: Loving God, help me remember that silence can be an act of wisdom and self-control. Knowing when to remain silent is a mark of discernment and can prevent unnecessary conflict or harm. Amen
Vicki Poli