The Silent Treatment


Google says the Silent Treatment is "a refusal to communicate verbally with another person."  And an article in Medical News Today says it is a form of abuse.  

Interesting.

I woke up this morning thinking about the silent treatment - not because Jim and I are fighting, but because I realize that in my life, there are a lot of people with whom I have not spoken to about Jesus.

I'm not sure why that is.

However, if I look inward to examine the reasons - I see they are mostly about me.  MY comfort.  MY ease.  MY fears.

Do I hate these people?  NO!  Absolutely not.  I LOVE them!!!  So why not take the risk, and put myself out there - talking about Jesus?

Maybe it is because I don't want to risk friends and family not liking me, or feeling as if I am judging them, or thinking that I feel as if I am "smarter" than they are.  

Especially when I know the truth.  Which is that "I am just a poor beggar, telling other poor beggars where I've found bread..."1

God wants us to preach and He wants us to take the risk.

These three passages are some of my favorites and I hope they encourage you to step out and talk about the "food" in your life.

And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." - Mark 16:15  

"Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?  But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed.  Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.  For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil." - 1 Peter 3:13-17

If you are willing to speak about Him - God says it is "beautiful".

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." - Isaiah 52:7

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1Carson, D.A., The God Who Is There (Grand Rapids, MI, Baker Books, 2010), softcover book, p.93






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