I’m going to make a statement that may or may not shock you. Some people will go out of their way to argue. Have you ever met anyone who couldn’t except the obvious truth. I understand that in the world we live in, everyone has their “opinion”, and many want to spend their time sharing their “opinion”, everywhere they go! As an American, I not only support this freedom to do so, but celebrate it every July 4th. Thank God for our independence and for the men and women who served and even give their lives, that we may have this freedom. But, not to confuse freedom of opinion with fact, lets take a look at an example of using our freedom of opinion to oppose factual truth.

In the Bible, the book of Act’s records an event that took place in Jerusalem, where “devout men from every nation under heaven” were at. The Apostles and many Christians were gathered together praying, (as they were instructed to do) and it states in Acts 2:4 that “they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues.” Here is the interesting part, they spoke in several different languages (v9) and each of the people heard them speak the “wonderful works of God” (v11) in their own language. It is clear from this chapter, that out of all these different nationalities, there were two distinct groups of opinions that were mentioned. In v12 it states that “they were amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, what does this mean? In the very next verse (v13) it states that “Others mocking said, these men are full of new wine.” One event two very different opinions.

If you have been around very long, you have met someone who loves opposition. You know what I’m talking about! You can be having a bible study, and they question everything that’s brought up or discussed. They seem to have a different opinion than everyone in the room. At the end of the class, they are still bringing up questions, refusing any resolution that may be offered! You just need to love and let go. “Speak the truth in love” Ephesians 4:15. I think sometimes I spend too much time trying to change opinions and personalities. I have seen a lot of Christians, hurt and even refuse to speak the truth openly any longer, due to an encounter with one of these truth opposers. Don’t be discouraged, they done the same with Stephen, Paul, the Apostles and even Jesus for healing on a certain day.

Be encouraged today and know that they resisted and opposed Jesus for his teachings that brought life, but He did not stop sharing the truth. I pray that God would give you that same power and strength through His Holy Spirit, to continue to be a witness for Him and a strength and hope to others.

Smile, Jesus loves you!!