Knowledge is power!

Conversations about faith are often intellectual, and the Bible also repeatedly emphasizes the importance of the human mind. However, our understanding of faith remains incomplete if we only take it in through our senses but do not put it into words. Words and understanding must come together to make true understanding possible.

The ancient Greek word "logos" plays a special role in this context, as it means both “word” and “reason” or “sense”. In the Gospel of John, it says: “In the beginning was the Word” (John 1:1), which indicates that God created the world through the Word. In the creation story (cf. Genesis 1), God also becomes the Creator by speaking words. Through his “Let there be,” the invisible becomes visible and the unspoken becomes reality.

This emphasis on the fact that things not only happen, but are named through words, is no coincidence. I am convinced that God not only wants us to be able to name things, but that a dialog also arises through the logos. God invites us to enter into conversation, not only with him, but also with each other. Especially when it comes to the gospel, he invites us not only to grasp it intellectually, but also to talk about it with others and proclaim it.

Why is this important? Three reasons:

The mind is a talent that wants to be used. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25: 14-30), Jesus says that we should not simply preserve our gifts. God asks us to increase them. The servant who hides his talent and does not use it ends up losing it. It is the same with our understanding of the gospel. We should not keep our knowledge of the faith to ourselves, but share it and increase it.

Paul as a role model. The apostle Paul, one of the most important preachers of the gospel, is a prime example of how understanding and language work together. Paul was taught by the great Rabbi Gamaliel, but he gained his deepest insight through his personal encounter with Jesus. He used both - his intellect and his gift of powerful speech - to take the gospel to the world, especially in Athens, the intellectual capital of the time.

Speaking about faith overcomes the fear of man. When we speak about the gospel, we overcome our fear of people. We publicly profess our faith and recognize that true reverence is due only to God.

Next Step: Where are you challenged to speak more about your faith? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the next steps and give you courage to share the gospel with others.