"Testify"

The story of what God has done,

Is something He will bless,

The testimony of His grace,

Anointed past the rest.

The facts support what we believe,

But few are argued in,

The best thing we can say to you,

Is where our lives have been.

The devil had a plan for us,

To steal your life away,

But the very thing he wanted,

God heals and says okay,

You don’t have to know too much,

Just what I’ve done for you,

The power there will change your life,

And it is always true.

The grace He gives we give away,

‘Cause every one has need,

To speak the truth in love today,

And plant a Kingdom seed.

So let’s hear from the cowboys,

Who sometimes don’t say much,

But where you've been and what you’ve done,

God will use to touch,

Someone who’s still out there,

Runnin’ wild and scared,

The words you share can bring ‘em back,

And show how much you cared.

And in the Revelation,

God gave John long ago,

He said the overcomers,

Would lay the devil low.

The blood would surely cover,

They are not scared to die,

They give their testimony,

They overcome, no lie.

So next time it’s time to speak up,

Do not hesitate,

Tell the news of what He’s done,

And it will turn out great.

“…we will speak the truth in love…” (Eph. 4:15, NLT)

The truth needs to be spoken in love. It’s the only way our lives stabilize and grow to maturity. Truth can set us free, but often if is shared in such a judgmental or harsh way it’s almost impossible to receive. Love is what we all need, and God is love. But if one’s love compromises the truth of what people need to hear, they never change. So, it’s not one or the other but both/and. The truth will set us free, but is most effectively shared with compassion for those who hear it. It’s God’s method of both converting people to Christ and leading them into spiritual maturity. Speak the truth in love. You can’t beat it.

Lord, help us both receive and share the truth in love, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Steve Devenyns, used by permission. Thanks, Steve, and God bless you.