They would answer that it came from human sources.

They expect the crowd to agree with them.

Answer honestly, even if it costs approval

Say the safest thing and leave the truth unclear

Wait until everyone agrees before speaking

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I confess that I have often feared people more than I have feared God. I admit my sin and my need for your mercy. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I turn from sin and from living for human approval. Be my Lord and Savior, and lead me in truth and courage. Amen.

Freed from Fear of People

Lord, revive your Church where fear of the crowd has softened our witness. Give us a holy fear of you, a love for truth, and the courage to speak with grace when others push back. Make us faithful even when approval is uncertain, and send us out to honor you more than public opinion, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

A Church That Speaks with Courage

Pray by naming one situation where you are tempted to choose the safest answer. Ask God for courage to speak truth clearly, and then ask him to help you say it with humility and kindness.

Pray for Honest Words

Thank God for times he has already helped you resist pressure, for moments when he gave you a steady voice, and for his help in loosening your fear of people.

Thanking God for Courage

Father, I pray for anyone who feels trapped by the reactions of others. Strengthen them to stand for what is true, calm their fears, and give them words that are honest and gracious, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

For Those Under Pressure

Bring these to God: your desire to let truth guide your speech, the places where crowd pressure affects you, and your willingness to let him form courage in you before you speak.

Choosing Truth over Approval

ἐὰν{e-AN###eh-AHN###if} δὲ{DE###DEH###but} εἴπωμεν·{EE-po-men###EE-poh-mehn###we say} Ἐξ{eks###ehks###from} ἀνθρώπων,{an-THRO-pon###ahn-THROH-pohn###people} φοβούμεθα{fo-VOO-me-tha###foh-VOO-meh-thah###we fear} τὸν{TON###TOHN###the} ὄχλον,{O-khlon###OH-khlohn###crowd} πάντες{PAN-tes###PAHN-tehs###all} γὰρ{GAR###GAHR###for} ⸂ὡς{hos###hohs###as} προφήτην{pro-FEE-tin###proh-FEE-teen###a prophet} ἔχουσιν{E-khoo-sin###EH-khoo-seen###(they) hold} τὸν{TON###TOHN###(the)} Ἰωάννην⸃.{ee-o-AN-neen###ee-oh-AHN-neen###John}

Matthew 21:26 — FormalTAB

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