Put Fears Behind and Boldly Speak: Sunday Devotion

Matthew 10: 26-28 So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

I am scheduled to teach the Sunday School class today at the new church that my husband and I joined recently. I have been hesitant to speak up when I have something that I want to contribute to the class, mainly because I am the only black person in the class. Growing up in the pre-Civil Rights era South, I learned to fear whites.

But one of the women pulled me aside one Sunday morning, and she informed me that God had told her to speak to me and tell me that fellow students needed and wanted to hear what I had to say regarding the Scriptures. I was shocked, but I promised to start participating in the discussions. As an associate minister at several black churches that included preaching and teaching the Bible, I bring a different perspective to the discussions. Since beginning to speak up, I have been told by several of the class members that they are glad that I am a part of them.

As people of God, we must let go of the fears imbued in us as children and learn to speak boldly to anyone, not afraid of opinions or prejudices. We can’t read people’s minds. We can only tell them what Jesus has laid on our hearts to boldly speak. Let’s do what Jesus calls us to do, knowing He will not leave or forsake us. Don’t worry about how what you say is perceived by others; just be obedient to the Lord.

Amen.