Believers Urged to Stand for Biblical Truth with Courage and Compassion

Lansing, MI — October 20, 2025

This past Sunday, the Honorable William Wagner, Distinguished Chair for Faith and Freedom at the Wagner Faith & Freedom Center, addressed the congregation of South Church in Lansing with a message centered on courage, conviction, and compassion. Speaking to a packed room, Wagner challenged Christians to live out biblical truth boldly—yet with the humility and respect that reflect Christ’s character.

Courage Rooted in Truth

Drawing from Scripture and his experience as a former federal judge, constitutional scholar, and advocate for religious liberty, Wagner called on believers to remain steadfast in a culture increasingly at odds with biblical principles.

“Courage is not the absence of fear—it’s the willingness to stand for truth when the world demands silence,” Wagner said. “In every generation, God calls His people to speak truth to power, not with anger or arrogance, but with the unshakable confidence that comes from knowing His Word is true.”

He emphasized that courage grounded in faith is essential not only for defending religious freedom but for living authentically as followers of Christ in the public square.

Compassion and Respect in the Public Witness

While urging believers to be fearless in their convictions, Wagner equally stressed the importance of communicating truth with grace and compassion. He reminded the congregation that the credibility of the Christian witness depends as much on tone as on truth.

“When we speak truth without love, we can wound; when we love without truth, we mislead,” Wagner observed. “The challenge before us is to hold both—compassion and conviction—so that others see not only what we believe, but who we serve.”

Wagner encouraged attendees to be ambassadors of both justice and mercy, engaging their communities in ways that reflect the heart of Christ and invite transformation through truth spoken in love.

A Call to Faithful Engagement

The message resonated deeply with South Church’s mission to equip believers to live out their faith courageously in all spheres of life. Attendees described the address as both challenging and inspiring, prompting reflection on how to embody biblical integrity amid cultural pressure.

Wagner’s address served as a reminder that in times of uncertainty, faith-fueled courage coupled with Christlike compassion can illuminate a path forward for both individuals and the nation.