Great progress can come with wisely implemented defiance against whatever is unjust or oppressive. A stellar example of this kind of defiance is Liu Xiaobo, whose fearless, nonviolent activism played a significant role in pro-democracy campaigns for political reform in China, his home country. While imprisoned for his work promoting democracy and human rights, he was awarded the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize.

Such inspired defiance can be employed in many ways and is especially helpful when praying. In prayer, the more familiar we become with the all-good nature and character of God, who is divine Truth—and the fact that we all exist for the purpose of showing forth this all-good nature and character—the more we are equipped to stand and defy any falsehood about God and God’s creation that would limit the good in our lives and the lives of others.

What provides us grounds for prayerful defiance is the fact that the divine character is entirely good!