Standing up for the truth...

Father, your creation declares your greatness and lovingkindness, encouraging statements of pure truth in our daily walk... This world is rough and a man has to be tough in order to survive, this is truth. We love those willing to stand up for the truth, and equally, we abhor those standing on the sidelines taking "cheap shots" at those who are to be rightfully honored. But the ability to look beyond dramatically unjustified criticisms is truly a Christlike virtue, for those without Christ feel the need to silence those who don't agree with their positions on the topic at hand. If Jesus had "silenced" the dissenters of His day we would have no crucifixion, and if we had no crucifixion we would have no burial and resurrection, and without the resurrection we would have NO hope of eternal life. These are the things we need to thing about before we make stupid, selfishly motivated decisions relative to how we treat one another in the name of silencing a dissenting voice! Jesus was resolute with His willingness to be wrongly accused and to suffer for His righteous positions as He told His disciples; "From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised." (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭21‬) What an example He has left for us to follow in His footsteps, to show the world a better way, a way leading to life… Thank you, Jesus, for showing us that you are the way, the truth, and the life; THE answer for those committed to seeking the truth in all things!