3 Aspects of Gracious Speech

We Christians must approach social and political issues with grace and kindness.

We need to remember how we say something is as important as what we say. 

I recently forgot this principle in a personal situation and did more harm than good. So let me suggest some guidelines:

1. Truth, not Opinion
In the political arena, we need to identify which issues have clear Scriptural absolutes involved (e.g. abortion, racial equality) and which are more "flexible" (e.g. health care, economic strategies). In addition, we need to avoid attempts to hijack biblical issues to mean something they don't (e.g. racial constructs that demonize a particular race).

In the spiritual arena, we need to allow for differences that don't violate Scripture (e.g. non-essential doctrines, music styles, education choices). See Romans 14.

2. Appropriate Subjects

When talking with unsaved people, we shouldn't expect them to understand deep spiritual truths. See 1 Corinthians 2:14.

3. Facts, Not Hearsay
Christians often share unsubstantiated facts on the internet or get their facts from caustic, sarcastic spokesmen who shouldn't be trusted. See Proverbs 18:13 and 17.

The bottom line: Sharing God's Truth in love means sharing it accurately, wisely, and respectfully (Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 4:6).

I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first 4 devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" or "read sample" on Lifeway or Amazon.

 

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