Not many people like to be told that they are living in sin. Nor do they wish to be told that God is angry with them and wants to destroy their place of worship and their city. Yet, this is precisely what the temple priests and prophets, and people of Judah were told by the prophet Jeremiah. And it upset them tremendously. As such, the priests and prophets accused Jeremiah of blasphemy, the penalty for which is death. Fortunately, a number of people were not afraid to speak up on Jeremiah's behalf, and as a result, he was not put to death.

Many centuries later, John the Baptist spoke out against Herod for living in sin. Herod wanted to put John to death but he was afraid of the people, who considered John to be a prophet. Later, Herod eventually has John killed because he was afraid to be seen by his guests as someone who did not keep his oath. Unlike the prophet Jeremiah, John did not have anyone speaking up on his behalf. Herod was the only person who could have saved him, but he did not because of fear.

Perhaps, someone will need you to speak up in truth on his or her behalf today. Or you may be called upon to say or do what is right although it may upset or disappoint another person. Would you do it? Or would you rather not because of fear?