However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews. John 7:13
Having opinions about someone or some situation that is occurring is very common. There are people who are willing to openly share their opinions about a situation, regardless of how others may think or feel about their opinions. Many other people will have their own thoughts, but are unwilling to share those thoughts, sometimes out of fear, while others just do not want to rock the boat, allowing others to have their own thoughts about a situation.
John records that people were talking about Jesus, some good, some negative, but all of them were doing it quietly because they feared the Jews.
Peer pressure is often seen as something that only teens deal with. Yet, many adults deal with peer pressure in various situations. The overall thinking of the people is one way, so everyone speaks that way, though in their private heart they feel a different way.
Opportunities to talk about Jesus abound all the time, though very few take advantage of those opportunities. People are usually unwilling to talk about Jesus out of fear. This fear can be fear of looking like an idiot, fear of anger from others, fear of offending others with the truth, fear of persecution, and other fears.
Rather than being quiet in fear, believers are to speak up about Jesus. The world needs to hear the Truth that believers possess. The only way one can be saved from sin is for one to hear about Jesus. As believers speak up, openly about Jesus, it gives the world the chance to accept Jesus, be forgiven and saved.
The love of God must push out all fear to allow one to be bold and courageous in speaking up openly about Jesus to all who need to hear.
You have your own thoughts and opinions about many different things. Some of these you make known, while other things you keep to yourself. One of the most important thoughts is what you think of Jesus.
If Jesus is your Lord and Savior, you must be willing to share your thoughts about Him with the world. There is someone out there who needs to hear the gospel message. Do not allow fear to overcome you and cause you to be quiet, but speak up, openly for all the world to hear.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will be bold in speaking about Jesus for all to hear; that God would use you to draw others to Him; that God would remove all fear of others you may have; and that God would give you the words to speak.
Photo by Matej Drha on Unsplash
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