We all have opinions, but Christians are commanded to have speech that is "full of grace" (Colossians 4:6).
So here are 3 times to bite our lips:
God hasn't endorsed only one denomination, Bible study method, translation of the Bible, type of education, or style of music. Many subjects are too complex to boil down to "God's view." So let's be considerate to those with whom we disagree (Romans 14; Philippians 2:3).
See Handling Non-essential Differences, Is the KJV the Best English Translation, and Christmas Confusion.
2. When our timing is bad
Unsaved people need salvation before they can understand God’s principles. Are we giving people the right message at the right time and right place? Matthew 7:6 may sound a bit harsh, but it's an important principle that we not share the deep things of God until a person is open and ready.
See Put first Things first when Sharing Christ.
3. When we don't have our facts straight
It's easy (but very ungracious) to pass along rumors without checking them out, even if we hear them from someone we respect (Proverbs 18:17; 1 Peter 2:1).
See Beware of Slandering Your Brother.
Before we claim to know God's view of something that's political, not moral and before we spread the latest rumor about a Christian leader, let's get the facts, check our hearts, and bite our lips. We expect grace from others, so let's give it ourselves.
Oh, this is a good post!
ReplyDeleteEspecially when you mention passing on rumors or even Obamacare.
Thanks again for coming into my computer everyday!
Hi Gail, I always try to ask myself now what is my motive to say or speak about what is going on. I do always like to say this is my opinion or I do not know the facts. You better check it out.
ReplyDeleteBetter to bite my lip!
Blessings, Roxy
Gail, this is such good convicting advice!! Thanks for writing this post.
ReplyDeleteSuch great advice! It's convicting to think about the many times I haven't bitten my lip!
ReplyDeleteSuch a humbling post, my friend! Makes me think of the how the power of life and death comes from our tongue & how it's not just "what" we say, but "how" and "when" we say it! Good word!
ReplyDeleteHi Gail! Being a concrete kind of gal, I love little rules like these. It really sticks with me, so thank you for this great post that hopefully will make me a better person!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Ceil
Great rules of thumb, Gail. I know I've been guilty of all three, but it really gets my dander up when someone else does one of these three with me or in my presence. :) I'm going to bookmark this post so that I can remind myself to avoid these three areas in the future. Great thought and thanks for sharing them at Wedded Wed, my friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this great reminder! Good advice for sure!
ReplyDeletecatching up with you on Say it Saturday!
Joan @ gramcracker crumbs
The Bible tells us what great trouble the tongue can get us into. I've been there a time or two but am thankful for this reminder.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteI am so thankfull That I found this sight today ! I already have a different insight on my sharing of Gods Word ! Have I been to forceful in sharing Gods word I ask myself? Out of the love in my heart for the Salvation of my family and extended family! I pray for their salvation and desire to seek Gods will in there lives. I hope I haven't shared out of desire instead of graceous love ! Thank you for bringing this to my attention! Pray for others to see God in me and for me to know how to go about sharing!
I'm so glad that this spoke to you, Sharon. I pray God will continue to guide you as you share your faith. Bless you,
DeleteGail
Thank you Gail ! You are a great inspiration to me !
DeleteAMEN!!!
ReplyDeleteWe use THINK..is it True, is it Helpful, is it Important, is it Necessary, is it Kind. Before we speak we should check our tongues at the door of our lips...made that one up ;)
ReplyDeleteit's so good to be pointed out, but oh it is sometimes so difficult, and I think I can better say nothing sometimes, but certainly pray
ReplyDelete"RUMORS" should not be passed on by us ever. (even after checking them out). let us not be the gossips.
ReplyDeleteSo, I’ve always believed that if I vote on the principles that is NON-Negotiable that God will work the other stuff out. I can’t in good conscience vote for one policy only to vote against God on abortion or homosexuality. There’s really nothing to even debate. God is faithful. He won’t let me down on taxes if I vote for His favor on things He says are against His very nature. I trust that if I am faithful God will be faithful to me. And He’s never let me down!
ReplyDeleteEph 4:4-6 says "One faith." As far as politics, Jesus says he's no part of this world .
ReplyDeleteHi Cris,
DeleteYes Ephesians says there is only one God and one true faith. Agreed.
And yes, Jesus is God and He is not worldly nor does He base His perfect wisdom on this world.
But He directs us what to do and what to believe in all areas of moral behavior, including politics.
If we are commanded by authorities to do something ungodly, we speak up for truth, doing what God teaches, even if it means defying the authorities.
The disciples did this in Acts 4 when the ruling Jewish authorities told them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. They replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Paul interacted with political authorities, speaking truth to them, and this was certainly part of God's plan for him (Acts 23-25). And Paul also referred to his Roman citizenship in defending his rights to share the gospel (Acts 16:37-38 , Acts 22:25-28).
In Jeremiah 29:7, God told the Jewish people, "seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” That very much involved politics and economics.
We are commanded to speak truth and protect the mistreated and abused. We are commanded to stand against things which harm people. That's why faithful Christians stood against government sanctioned slavery while fake and compromised Christians embraced slavery or remained silent. That's why faithful Christians are speaking against government laws regarding abortion while fake Christians embrace abortion and compromised Christians remain silent.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.” Proverbs 31:8
“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, 'But we knew nothing about this,' does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?” Proverbs 24:11-12
We have responsibilities in this world to speak truth and live truth when we are free to do so and even when it costs us our lives.