12.6.23 - Romans 10:10-11
Is it enough to know that we care about the people in our circles, or is there a second part we're missing out on? Is healing and transformation done when we speak truth to their identity?
One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on Jesus will not be put to shame,
In this passage, the weight of confession is dense.
Paul says that believing elicits the Creator's approval, but confessing -- putting breath to truth -- results in salvation.
It's like knowing in your heart manifests one aspect of your relationship to the Creator -- but externalizing that truth completes it.
You've probably heard of a "lie of omission", where someone leaves out facts or details in order to misrepresent the truth. Is there, perhaps, a "disbelief of omission" that misrepresents our faith or character?
When we don't speak up, what gets broken between what we know and what we say?
Is it enough to know that we care about the people in our circles, or is there a second part we're missing out on? Is healing and transformation done when we speak truth to their identity?
Advent brings many of us together with family and friends we don't often see. These folks may dislike conversations around compassion and dignity, or they may not be safe people. In this season, I hope you know you have permission to save your pearls for the folks who love you as you are.
--Katelin Champion