March 23, 1775.
Richmond, Virginia.
The House of Burgesses were meeting in Saint John’s Church to discuss the recent actions of the First Continental Congress. The “Intolerable Acts” were passed by Parliament in early 1774 in response to the “Boston Tea Party.” Among other changes, the “Intolerable Acts” included the closing of the Boston Port and rescinding the Massachusetts Charter. Congress had met in September of that same in year to craft a response which called for a boycott of all British imports, an end to the exportation of any and all goods to Britain as well as the raising of a militia.79
It was now several months later. Despite the consensus shared by most Americans that the crown was not going to address any of the grievances that had been repeatedly voiced by the colonies, many hesitated endorsing a war and were yet hoping for a diplomatic solution.
It was in this moment that Patrick Henry rose to speak to the delegates gathered at Saint John’s Church. What followed was a speech made without notes and no transcript was made of the address he was about to deliver which would include the famous phrase, “Give me liberty, or give me death!”1
His desire was to present an argument that could change the minds of those who were determined to believe that diplomacy could sway a tyrant who saw negotiations, not as a way to arrive at a just compromise, but as a scheme to perpetuate a sinister agenda.
Those that were there to hear the words of Patrick Henry had legitimate concerns. But there are times when you’re talking to someone who doesn’t have a concern as much as they have a resolve – a willful determination to ignore what’s True and instead subscribe to something totally irrational.
In those instances, it’s possible you’re dialoging with someone the Bible refers to as a “fool” – someone who will “despise the insight of your words (Prov 23:9),” regardless of what you say.
Jesus says in Matthew 10:13-14 that when you encounter someone who refuses to listen to what’s True, then you need to walk away.
13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. (Matt 10:13-14)
Not everyone’s going to agree with you and differences in opinion are inevitable (1 Cor 11:19). There’s a difference between matters where there’s room for interpretation and other issues that can be processed according to obvious Absolutes. Humility and wisdom go hand in hand (Jas 3:13). You never want to be so passionate about your preferences that you assign to them the same Authority belonging to Biblical Principles.
But when you can rightfully cite a chapter and a verse to reinforce the Substance of your argument, know that however articulate you may be, there are times where you won’t be able to change their mind until God first changes their heart.
And until then…
…move on and shake the dust off your feet.
1. “Patrick Henry”, https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/patrick-henry, accessed May 21, 2023