Today is June 2.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Acts chapter 16. 
 

35 When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” 36 The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.” 
37 But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.” 
38 The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. 39 They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. 40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left. 
 

This boldness teaches us that faith isn’t passive. It's active, wise, and courageous. Paul used his legal status not for selfish gain, but to protect the gospel’s reputation and strengthen the believers around him. He understood that how he left the prison would speak just as loudly as why he was there. Is there a situation in your life where God might be calling you to speak up—not for your own comfort, but to protect others or uphold what is right?  
 
Paul and Silas didn’t just walk away quietly—they stood for justice, and then they went straight to encourage the church. Even after being wrongfully imprisoned, their focus was on building up others. This is a powerful reminder that our trials are not just about us. God often uses our experiences to strengthen the faith of those around us. As you listen to the passage again, consider someone in your life needs encouragement today? How might your story, your presence, or your words be a source of strength for someone else? 
  
Today, reflect on where God might be calling you to stand with courage and integrity. Is there a situation where you need to speak up? Pray for courage. And who can you encourage today? Reach out to someone with a message of hope, a prayer, or a simple reminder that they are not alone.