When it comes to giving presents to people, I like to find the perfect one for each person. I consider what they like or what they may need, and then I try to find something that really “hits the sweet spot”—something that fills a need or touches their heart in a special way. Well, I can also do that for someone in the spiritual category of life—I have something to give that can fill whatever need someone has and bring joy to their life. It’s the truth of God’s Word. We can give the perfect present by opening our mouths and speaking the truth in love. We can give others God’s life-changing Word.
Each day brings opportunities for us to interact with other people—at school, at work, at home, while shopping. Yet getting started speaking to someone can seem difficult at times. The world tries to discourage us from doing what we know is God’s will. The Prophet Jeremiah had the power-filled Word of God to speak, but he was initially intimidated by those around him.
Jeremiah 1:6-8:
Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.
Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.
God promised to give Jeremiah the words to speak that would bring the best results available. That’s just like us! We have the truth of God’s Word in the Bible—His written Word—to boldly declare. And just as God was with Jeremiah, God promises to be with us so that we need not have any fear.
Moses was also challenged when it came to speaking the good news that God had for His people.
Exodus 4:10-12:
And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth?…have not I the Lord?
Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
Moses looked at his past experiences and felt he wasn’t good enough to speak. After God told Moses that He would be “with thy mouth” and teach him what to say, Moses boldly stood up to the might of Egypt and helped deliver God’s people from bondage.
Jesus Christ recognized that those around him did “hunger and thirst after righteousness.” Having great compassion, he opened his mouth and lovingly taught the truth of God’s Word that filled the need in their lives.
Matthew 5:2,6:
And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was fearless when it came to speaking for his Father. Why? He knew how important it was for God’s Word to be spoken. And if he didn’t speak it, who would? As born-again sons of God, we too can be “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). All we need to do is open our mouths.
Acts 8:35:
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
Acts 10:34:
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.
Both Philip and Peter opened their mouths. They spoke the truth of God’s Word concerning the accomplished works of Jesus Christ that can bring complete deliverance to anyone! The Apostle Paul also knew how important it was to open his mouth and speak the Word boldly. He knew he had something worth saying.
Romans 1:15,16:
So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth….
Paul was eager, zealous, and willing to preach the gospel. To “preach the gospel” means to proclaim the good news or the glad tidings. What is this good news that he was not ashamed of? Paul was ready to make known the good news of the Mystery that was revealed, which includes the truth of “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Ephesians 6:19:
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.
Colossians 1:26,27:
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
We too can open our mouths and speak the good news and the glad tidings of God’s Word. Right in the middle of so many negatives being spoken today, we can offer words to make people GLAD! This good news is the power of God unto salvation to EVERYONE that believes.
Romans 10:9,10,13:
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
But how can they hear and believe if we don’t first open our mouths and preach?
Romans 10:14,15:
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Like Paul, we are “ready” and “not ashamed.” God has provided us with all we need to live boldly, confidently, and courageously for Him. The Word that we speak to others has a life-changing and eternal impact on those who believe; we have words of the utmost importance for people to hear. Let’s keep that powerful Word of God in our hearts, and look each day for opportunities to open our mouths and speak the good news, because we are not ashamed of the gospel!
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