Freedom of Speech

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

This is the first amendment in the United States Constitution. Please, take notice to the part about freedom of speech. We all have the right to say what we feel. It's constitutionally acceptable. As long as we're not discriminating, we can even hurt people with our words; and it's perfectly acceptable.

Matthew 12:36 "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken."

James 1:19 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath"

Psalm 34:13 "Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile."

This is what the bible says about our speech. Yes, we have freedom of speech, but that doesn't mean we won't answer for what we say. As Americans, say what you want, say how you feel, say what you think. As Christians, we are required to watch what we say. 

We are held to a higher standard. We are separate from this world. We were not created to slander each other, but to love each other, as Christ loved us. If I served a god who would slander me instead of encourage me, I would have a world of things to say to people. But my god, Jesus Christ, He is a god of encouragement. A god of love. A god of second chances. Therefore, I don't say the first thing that comes to my mind. I don't want to hurt someone.

We say things out of anger, out of hurt feelings, out of ignorance...it happens. We're human. But we need to be aware of our words. I don't ever want someone to be able to say that I hurt their reputation. I do not want to be held responsible for creating an obstacle for someone else. I want to be the person building my brother/sister up, rather than tearing them down. I want to be an encouragement.

We all have freedom of speech. It's a privilege. It's what allows us to go up to a stranger and tell them about what Jesus has done for me. But some are a little too free with their speech.

Words hurt.

What people say, hurts.

And we're lying if we say otherwise.

Don't be the person who causes the pain.