Emphasis Preaching Journal

The trial of Peter and John was an opportunity to make a speech under the direct inspiration of the Spirit. The man had a good friend in his church. This friend was a good man, an active church member, and in most things, generous with his wealth and time. Yet one day, at a meeting, the man heard his friend comment about "those 'spics' [Hispanics] who keep moving into town." The man was surprised and disappointed in his friend, but he made a soft answer, though one that he hoped would lead his friend to a new attitude. But he thought later that perhaps he should have been more forthright with his friend, more assertive in the face of his racism. Had he lost an opportunity for a true witness to his own faith in Christ, and what it meant in his life, for the sake of getting along with someone? Had he short-
circuited the activity of the Spirit with his soft answer? -- Johnson-Hoy