April 5, 2025: Standing for Truth When Others Don’t

I once heard the story of a young university student named Reena. During a philosophy lecture, the professor boldly declared that “faith is foolish” and that “God is a human invention.” The classroom went quiet. Some students nodded. Others looked down, avoiding eye contact.

But Reena couldn’t sit silently. Her heart beat faster, and her palms grew sweaty, but something stirred within her. She slowly raised her hand and said, “Sir, I respect your view, but I believe in God—not because I’m weak, but because I’ve seen His strength in my life.”

The room froze. A few students smirked. Some whispered. But one classmate later came to her and said, “I’ve been wanting to say the same thing for so long. Thank you.”

Reena stood alone—but not for long. Her courage lit a quiet fire in others.

Division Over Jesus

In John 7:40–53, we find a similar scene. Jesus had just spoken powerful words about living water and the Spirit. The crowd was buzzing:

“This is truly the Prophet.”
“This is the Messiah!”
“But how can the Messiah come from Galilee?”
– (vv. 40–41)

Some were inspired, some were confused, and some were hostile. Division spread like wildfire.

The religious leaders, already plotting against Jesus, scoffed at those who believed in Him. They sent temple guards to arrest Him, but the guards came back empty-handed.

“Why did you not arrest him?”
“No one ever spoke like this man!” – (vv. 45–46)

Even the guards, trained to obey orders, were arrested—not by chains, but by truth.

Nicodemus: A Quiet Voice of Courage

And then comes one of the most beautiful moments: Nicodemus speaks up.

“Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing...” – (v. 51)

Nicodemus, a Pharisee, one of them, risked his position to speak a word of justice. He didn’t preach a sermon. He didn’t call Jesus the Messiah. He simply pointed to fairness and due process. But even that quiet stand sparked mockery:

“Surely you are not also from Galilee, are you?”

The world often silences truth not with logic, but with laughter and scorn. But Nicodemus wasn’t swayed. Neither was Jesus.

Faith Isn’t Always Loud—But It’s Always Brave

Like Reena. Like the temple guards. Like Nicodemus. Sometimes, faith is not about shouting—it’s about standing. In a world full of loud opinions, a quiet word of truth still holds power.

You may not feel like a preacher or a prophet. But your courage to believe, to speak kindly, to ask the right question, or to stand alone—that’s where Jesus shines through you.

Encouragement for You

• Are you the only believer in your family, workplace, or classroom?
• Have you been mocked or misunderstood for your faith?
• Do you feel hesitant to speak up?

Remember: you’re not alone. Jesus sees you. And just like Nicodemus, your small act of courage can plant a seed that bears eternal fruit.

“No one ever spoke like this man.” – John 7:46
Let people see that same Spirit in you.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, give me the courage to stand for You—even when I stand alone. Help me to speak the truth in love, and to live in such a way that others are drawn to You. Let my quiet faith be a loud witness. Amen.

You don’t need a microphone to make a difference. You just need the courage to speak when it matters.
If this blessed you, send it to a friend who’s standing for truth. Remind them: God honors every act of faith.