by Scarlett Stough
Even though God's existence and greatness is evident in his creation and in the Holy Scriptures so all who look can know, those who know God are called upon to speak, to let other people know by word, or by silent conduct, and changed lives about God so others, also, can praise God.
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
His greatness no one can fathom.
One generation will commend your works to another;
They will tell of your mighty acts.
They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
And I will meditate on your wonderful works.
They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
And I will proclaim your great deeds.
They will celebrate your abundant goodness
And joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you.
They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might,
So that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Psalm 145:3-12
Sometimes speaking words or crafting reasoned arguments only harden an already hardened heart. In those cases, our attitudes and our actions do speak louder than words when we conduct ourselves “properly (honorably, righteously) among the Gentiles, so that although they may slander you as evildoers, [yet] they may by witnessing your good deeds [come to] glorify God in the day of inspection [when God shall look upon (you) wanderers, as a pastor (shepherd) over his flock]” (1 Peter 2:12 Amp).
Wives who had husbands hostile to their faith were counseled to live their faith, showing it by their conduct without words (1 Peter 3:1-6). This is good advice for being a good friend or neighbor as well as toward relatives.
But there is a time and a place to speak: “and how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?” (Romans 10:14b ESV). Let us participate in that chorus praising God so that all may know God.