When we are anxious we are inclined to overprepare. We wonder what to say when we are attacked, how to respond when we are being interrogated, and what defence to put up when we are accused. It is precisely this turmoil that makes us lose our self-confidence and creates in us a debilitating self-consciousness.
Jesus tells us not to prepare at all and to trust that he will give us the words and wisdom we need. What is important is not that we have a little speech ready but that we remain deeply anchored in the love of Jesus, secure about who we are in this world and why we are here. With our hearts connected to the heart of Jesus, we will always know what to say when the time to speak comes.
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September 14, 2007 at 10:01 am
writeathome
Hi Helen,
I think the following verses go along with this. I like the way it is put in the Amplified version.
1Pe 3:14 But even in case you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, [you are] blessed (happy, to be envied). Do not dread or be afraid of their threats, nor be disturbed [by their opposition].
1Pe 3:15 But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully. [Isa. 8:12, 13.]
1Pe 3:16 [And see to it that] your conscience is entirely clear (unimpaired), so that, when you are falsely accused as evildoers, those who threaten you abusively and revile your right behavior in Christ may come to be ashamed [of slandering your good lives].
1Pe 3:17 For [it is] better to suffer [unjustly] for doing right, if that should be God’s will, than to suffer [justly] for doing wrong.
Hope you have a blessed weekend.
Carol
September 14, 2007 at 10:13 am
helenl
Hi Carol, I think those verses say what we often need to hear. Love, Helen
September 14, 2007 at 12:30 pm
Jana Allard
When Christ dwells within, our words should be directed by Him. Maybe this is why there was the prayer, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight oh, God.”
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