There are moments in life when we feel as though we’re walking on a tightrope, trying to balance our faith and our flaws. We long to live up to the expectations of a God who is both all-powerful and loving, yet we know deep down that, as human beings, we will stumble. We will fall. We will miss the mark. This creates a tension between striving to live according to God’s will and the fear of disappointing Him—of letting Him down in ways that feel beyond repair.
But the fear of the Lord, as we often hear it described, is not the kind of fear that paralyzes us in terror or dread. It’s not the fear we experience when facing danger, pain, or harm. Instead, it is the kind of fear that arises from a deep reverence and awe for God’s holiness, majesty, and purpose for our lives. It’s the recognition that He is God, and we are not. And in that realization, we feel a sense of responsibility—not just to follow His commands but to honor Him with the lives we live.
Take a moment to reflect on the life of a father, a man who strives to provide, protect, and care for his family. He loves his children with all his heart and desires nothing more than to see them succeed and flourish. But, as every parent knows, there are times when their child misses the mark—when they disappoint or make mistakes. As a parent, the love doesn’t fade in those moments. The fear that arises is not of anger or punishment but a deep sorrow that comes from knowing their child didn’t live up to their potential, that they’ve veered from the path that leads to flourishing.
This is the fear I speak of when it comes to God. It’s not the fear of retribution but a fear rooted in love—a desire to live in a way that reflects the goodness of the one who created us. The Psalmist reflects this beautifully in Psalm 112:1, “Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying His commands!” There is joy in honoring God, in seeking to live according to His will, and in pursuing the life He’s called us to.
Yet, we know that we will make mistakes. No one is perfect. We are all flawed. The Apostle Paul himself writes in Romans 7:18-19, “And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” Even Paul, the apostle, struggled with sin. This is part of the human condition. We strive to honor God, but we fail. And in our failures, we may feel the weight of disappointment—both ours and God’s.
But here’s the beautiful truth: God’s grace is always greater than our failures. In fact, it is in our imperfection that His grace shines brightest. Grace is the hope that anchors us in the midst of our struggles. It’s the unwavering truth that no matter how many times we fall short, God is there to pick us up, dust us off, and invite us to try again. The fear we feel in striving to live a life pleasing to God is not meant to break us down but to draw us closer to His grace.
When we fear the Lord in this way, it’s not a fear that drives us away from God but one that draws us nearer, understanding that His expectations for us are rooted in love, not in condemnation. As the Apostle John writes, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18, NLT). God’s perfect love casts out fear because His love is not about punishment but about restoration, forgiveness, and transformation.
This is where our hope lies—knowing that, while we may stumble, God is ever-present with grace to lift us up. He calls us to live in awe of His holiness, to strive to honor Him in all we do, and to accept His forgiveness when we fall short. And through it all, His grace continues to hold us in the tension between striving and failing, between fear and hope.
As you reflect on this, ask yourself: What is the fear of the Lord that calls you to live better, to love more fully, and to serve others? And in those moments when you stumble, how can you rest in the grace that is always there, offering you the strength to rise again?
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your loving grace that meets us in our imperfections. Help us to fear You in the way that leads us closer to You, to honor You in all we do, and to rest in the assurance of Your forgiveness when we fall short. Strengthen us by Your Spirit, and guide us in Your truth, that we may live lives that reflect Your love and Your holiness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monthly Archives: January 2025
Speaking Truth With Courage and Integrity
Speaking Truth with Courage and Integrity
There’s a difference between speaking truth and throwing stones. It’s tempting to address difficult situations from a distance—be it from a pulpit, behind a keyboard, or even within a group. But true courage often requires stepping out of the crowd and speaking directly to someone with love and integrity. This one-on-one approach is not only more challenging but also reflects the heart of God’s desire for reconciliation and restoration.
The story of Nathan confronting King David in 2 Samuel 12:1-7 offers a powerful biblical example. After David’s sin with Bathsheba, Nathan could have rebuked the king publicly or in front of his court. Instead, he approached David privately, using a parable to reveal the gravity of his actions. By speaking to David directly, Nathan not only delivered God’s truth but also provided David an opportunity to repent without humiliation. This kind of confrontation is not about shaming—it’s about guiding someone back to the path of righteousness.
In contrast, consider the story in John 8:3-11, where a crowd brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, ready to stone her. The crowd acted in self-righteousness, hiding behind their numbers. But Jesus diffused the situation by calling for personal accountability, saying, “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone.” He then spoke to the woman privately, showing her grace and urging her to change her life. This highlights the importance of avoiding mob mentality when addressing sin or wrongdoing.
A more modern example comes from Abraham Lincoln. During his presidency, Lincoln often faced criticism, even from members of his own cabinet. Yet, Lincoln was known for his ability to confront disagreements directly and thoughtfully. One famous instance occurred with Edwin Stanton, his Secretary of War, who initially insulted and opposed Lincoln. Rather than respond publicly or angrily, Lincoln approached Stanton with patience and grace. Over time, their working relationship transformed into one of mutual respect, and Stanton became one of Lincoln’s greatest supporters. Lincoln’s example reminds us that speaking truth directly, with humility, can bring about reconciliation and even strengthen relationships.
On the other hand, we’ve all seen situations where someone criticizes another person from afar—be it in a sermon, on social media, or in gossip. While the words may contain truth, the method often undermines the message. It’s easier to address someone indirectly, but it’s far less effective in bringing about change. As Proverbs 27:6 reminds us, “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” A private, honest conversation carries far more weight than a public rebuke that feels impersonal or self-serving.
Practically speaking, approaching someone directly can be uncomfortable. It requires humility, empathy, and a willingness to listen. But it’s also an opportunity to model Christ’s love. Imagine the difference it would make if, instead of criticizing someone in a sermon, a pastor or leader met with them privately to discuss their concerns. That act of courage could open the door to healing, understanding, and transformation.
Jesus modeled this one-on-one approach consistently. He didn’t just preach to crowds; He also engaged individuals like Zacchaeus, Nicodemus, and the Samaritan woman at the well. Each of these encounters was deeply personal, and because of that, they were profoundly impactful. Speaking truth directly to someone, rather than at someone, is an act of love that mirrors Christ’s ministry.
In today’s world, where it’s easy to throw “stones” from behind a pulpit, keyboard, or group of like-minded people, we’re called to a higher standard. Speaking truth to power is not about shaming or overpowering—it’s about seeking reconciliation, restoration, and justice in a way that honors God. So, let’s ask ourselves: Are we speaking truth with courage and integrity, or are we simply throwing stones from a distance?
There’s a difference between speaking truth and throwing stones. It’s tempting to address difficult situations from a distance—be it from a pulpit, behind a keyboard, or even within a group. But true courage often requires stepping out of the crowd and speaking directly to someone with love and integrity. This one-on-one approach is not only more challenging but also reflects the heart of God’s desire for reconciliation and restoration.
The story of Nathan confronting King David in 2 Samuel 12:1-7 offers a powerful biblical example. After David’s sin with Bathsheba, Nathan could have rebuked the king publicly or in front of his court. Instead, he approached David privately, using a parable to reveal the gravity of his actions. By speaking to David directly, Nathan not only delivered God’s truth but also provided David an opportunity to repent without humiliation. This kind of confrontation is not about shaming—it’s about guiding someone back to the path of righteousness.
In contrast, consider the story in John 8:3-11, where a crowd brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, ready to stone her. The crowd acted in self-righteousness, hiding behind their numbers. But Jesus diffused the situation by calling for personal accountability, saying, “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone.” He then spoke to the woman privately, showing her grace and urging her to change her life. This highlights the importance of avoiding mob mentality when addressing sin or wrongdoing.
A more modern example comes from Abraham Lincoln. During his presidency, Lincoln often faced criticism, even from members of his own cabinet. Yet, Lincoln was known for his ability to confront disagreements directly and thoughtfully. One famous instance occurred with Edwin Stanton, his Secretary of War, who initially insulted and opposed Lincoln. Rather than respond publicly or angrily, Lincoln approached Stanton with patience and grace. Over time, their working relationship transformed into one of mutual respect, and Stanton became one of Lincoln’s greatest supporters. Lincoln’s example reminds us that speaking truth directly, with humility, can bring about reconciliation and even strengthen relationships.
On the other hand, we’ve all seen situations where someone criticizes another person from afar—be it in a sermon, on social media, or in gossip. While the words may contain truth, the method often undermines the message. It’s easier to address someone indirectly, but it’s far less effective in bringing about change. As Proverbs 27:6 reminds us, “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” A private, honest conversation carries far more weight than a public rebuke that feels impersonal or self-serving.
Practically speaking, approaching someone directly can be uncomfortable. It requires humility, empathy, and a willingness to listen. But it’s also an opportunity to model Christ’s love. Imagine the difference it would make if, instead of criticizing someone in a sermon, a pastor or leader met with them privately to discuss their concerns. That act of courage could open the door to healing, understanding, and transformation.
Jesus modeled this one-on-one approach consistently. He didn’t just preach to crowds; He also engaged individuals like Zacchaeus, Nicodemus, and the Samaritan woman at the well. Each of these encounters was deeply personal, and because of that, they were profoundly impactful. Speaking truth directly to someone, rather than at someone, is an act of love that mirrors Christ’s ministry.
In today’s world, where it’s easy to throw “stones” from behind a pulpit, keyboard, or group of like-minded people, we’re called to a higher standard. Speaking truth to power is not about shaming or overpowering—it’s about seeking reconciliation, restoration, and justice in a way that honors God. So, let’s ask ourselves: Are we speaking truth with courage and integrity, or are we simply throwing stones from a distance?