Is it always wrong to speak plainly? A Christmas answer

By Dr. Jeff Mirus ( bio - articles - email ) | Jan 02, 2025

In today’s hyper-sensitive climate, we Christians have been almost forced to conclude that there is never an appropriate moment for speaking frankly and forcefully to anyone about God and Jesus Christ, even within our own families. This is a very touchy subject indeed. Can we ever say something roughly like the following?

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Life can be frustrating. When a good person dies, only comparatively few notice his passing. And when the devout are taken from us, fewer still grasp the significance of their departure. Of course, those who are genuinely Godly are taken away from calamity to enter into peace. And even now the upright can be at peace, can rest in their own beds. But how are we to deal with those who mock the good, those who curse and stick out their tongues at the virtuous. After all, they really are children of transgression and offspring of deceit.

I am speaking here of those driven by passions of one kind or another in nearly every situation, as epitomized by those who murder their own children as yet one more way of making offerings to their own false gods. Must we be blind to these things? Shall we smile and say nothing at all? Upon the heights of this world they have offered their sacrifices and poured out their offerings. Deserting God they have adopted the very symbols of evil, uncovering their beds, exulting in nakedness, making a bargain with lust.

May we never say frankly to those who have thus deserted God, even if they still claim His Name: You have journeyed with the Devil, multiplying your rosy excuses, sending your ambassadors to prepare the way for you, and reaching down even to Hell. Even when you have felt weary you did not desist. Whom did you dread so much that you lied to yourselves, gathering your strength, and failing to remember God or even to give Him a single thought—God who has held His peace for so long that you no longer have any fear of Him at all?

Believe me, at some point the Lord will reveal all your doings. When you cry out in dread, let your idols deliver you! But it need not be so, for whoever takes refuge in God will be saved by Him, inheriting peace and joy. Let us announce it then, especially at this appropriate season: “Build up and prepare the way! Remove every obstruction and make a straight path!”

For God is high and lofty through all eternity, God who alone is holy, and who dwells in an exalted and sacred realm with all who possess a contrite and humble spirit. Indeed, note well that He revives the hearts of the contrite; for He will not be angry forever. And from Him alone proceeds the Spirit: He Who has made the very breath of life!

In His anger, because of your iniquity and greed, He has left you in spiritual desolation. Despite this, sadly, you continued your backsliding in the perversity of your own heart. Nonetheless He will heal you and lead you if you will but let Him. Sensitive to even the slightest turn, He will give you comfort. “Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,” says the Lord! He will indeed heal you if you will but turn!

But please note this well: The wicked are like a tossing sea that cannot rest. Their very turbulence throws up dirt and mire. Indeed, God Himself has warned you: “There is no peace for the wicked.”

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Truly we must speak with love even when righteously angry. But it seems that today, even often inside the Church herself, it is considered sinful to firmly speak the truth at all except when somebody clearly wishes to hear it. Yet, if it is not to be useless, truth demands more frequent expression. Now, do you think I have portrayed the problem too harshly?

If so, I suggest you read (or read again), the 57th chapter of the Book of Isaiah the prophet. For what I have written here is simply a contemporary paraphrase of that very text. To be sure, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (Jn 1:5). But have we noticed and mentioned it lately—I mean, out loud?