We love to hear stories of someone standing up for the oppressed or abused. Maybe this is the reason why Indian cinema often produces movies with these themes. One such example is a Tamil movie, Jai Bhim, released in 2021. Inspired by a true story, it is a courtroom drama where a human rights lawyer fights for justice for a tribal woman whose husband was wrongly accused in a case and was beaten to death in custody.
Stories like these reveal the longing of the human heart for someone to fight for us when we are wronged. But are we willing to stand up for someone who is afflicted and needs our intervention?
The Risk We Are Reluctant to Take
Sadly, even as Christians, we often choose comfort and peace over conflict. Even when we notice something that is not right, we would rather distance ourselves. Avoiding confrontation is the easier way. Calling out injustice or wrongdoing often brings with it relationship breakdowns, sorrow, isolation, and a whole lot of pain.
Nothing stays the same for the person who speaks out. The person will often be looked at differently; they risk losing friendships, being doubted, and people distancing themselves. Their reputation is at stake, fingers may be pointed, and false narratives begin circulating, leaving the person helpless and alone.
Standing up for the truth comes at a costly price. It requires courage, resilience, and strength to stand in the gap. That is why most of us are often unwilling to step out of our comfort zone and risk everything we have.
The Problem of Not Standing in the Gap
Should Christians be silent when we see discrimination, injustice, corruption, and abuse in front of us? Should we stay silent when our brothers and sisters are violated by others to advance their selfish motives? We may answer with a resounding “No.” Yet, we are afraid to step out of our comfort zones. We are often reluctant to set aside our “security” for the sake of truth and justice.
Another reason why we may stay silent in the face of transgression is that we are not directly affected by it. The problem with this is that if we do not stand up for those who have been wronged, someone else might. But the shame and guilt of not speaking up will always haunt us. When we face a similar issue, we would long for someone to stand up for us.
In the Book of Esther, Mordecai confronts Esther for her lack of courage in approaching the king on behalf of her people. In Esther 4:14, Mordecai says to Esther, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
The Reward of Standing in the Gap
Standing in the gap is messy and painful, but it is absolutely worth it. Calling out sin helps us live with a clear conscience. Though it is painful, we can sleep peacefully at night knowing we stood for truth and justice.
The good news is that we can all stand in the gap because someone first stood in the gap for us.
Moreover, in the face of adversity, we truly get to know who our friends are. To be surrounded by those who genuinely pray for, care for, and want the best for us is truly a blessing. Most importantly, we see the grace and love of our Saviour and draw closer to him (Rom. 5:3-5).
In moments of deep pain, all we can do is cling to him more closely, perhaps, than ever before (Ps. 34:18). It brings us down to our knees, humbles us, and helps us realise that we cannot do anything apart from entrusting ourselves to him like a child (John 15:4-5). The chiseling that happens is worth far more than the possessions left behind, and the joy of communion with God is priceless (Phil. 3:8).
Why We Can Stand in the Gap
The good news is that we can all stand in the gap because someone first stood in the gap for us. God did not stand at a distance and watch his creation suffer the consequences of sin and rebellion (Rom. 5:8). Instead, he sent his Son, Jesus, who stepped into the dirt, willingly suffered for us, endured shame and rejection, and gave his life to rescue us from the power of sin and death (1 Pet. 2:24; Col. 1:13).
Jesus endured immense pain and suffering. We see this most clearly in the Garden of Gethsemane when he prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matt. 26:39). Entrusting himself to the Father, he did what he was called to do (1 Pet. 2:23-24). He sacrificed his life on the cross for our sins, died, and rose again so that we might live (1 Cor. 15:4). On that cross, truth and justice were upheld, and therein lies the joy and hope of humanity.
Yes, it is costly to stand up for what is right. It often brings pain and shame, but it is what we are called to do—and we do not have to do it alone. Jesus, who knows the cost of standing in the gap for others, promises to be with us (Heb. 13:5). He understands what it is like to suffer for sins he did not commit (1 Pet. 2:21-22). And he enables us to endure suffering for the sake of others so that they, too, may find hope and experience abundant life.
