When is it right to speak up?

I suspect that many of you are struggling just as I am. There are so many people with so many opinions. Some of them I agree with, others are completely false and the majority fall in the middle of those two. As a Christian, do I have a duty to speak up?

When I am not sure what I should do, I like to turn to the Bible. In Acts 4:8-20, there is a story about Peter and John. They had been accused of speaking about Jesus and his resurrection and healing a man. Many who heard the word became believers and their numbers grew to around 5000. This was disturbing to the leaders and elders of the city. The leaders gathered together, and Peter and John were brought in and questioned. Peter and John spoke in a way that only experience can. When experience speaks, we should listen. Even if we don't agree, we should listen. Too many people today have their opinion and their view of the world and they refuse to listen to anyone else. I am not sure why this is? If your position is so shaky that another's opinion might destroy it, then you should definitely listen.

Here are my quick tips for becoming a better listener.

1. Do not try to debate someone on social media. If you want to really learn about their opinion, set up a phone call, or better yet, meet in person.

2. Understand it is okay for people to disagree with you. In Acts 4: 19-20 (CEB), "Peter and John responded, 'It's up to you to determine whether its right before God to obey you rather than God. As for us, we can't stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.'"

3. Choose love first.

4. Don't expect non-Christians to act in a way that honors God. Harassing and fighting with them to prove your point is not going to show them God's love.

Should you speak out? Are there times when it is right? Absolutely. But we must always seek to use our voices in a way that brings honor to God and brings others to Him. We need to lean into the Holy Spirit and allow God to advise us. For the last two months, I have kept a verse in my mind actively. I will share it with you in hopes that you will find it encouraging as well.

Phillipians 4:8 (NIV)

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things."

Do you have some ideas about how to be a good listener? When do you think it is right to speak up? Let me hear your comments.