We hear a lot about hate speech these days, and it weighs heavily on my heart. I know you have already figured it out and know what to do, but I want to put my heart to it.

The Legal Definition of Hate Speech Law:

Hate speech is a communication that carries no meaning other than the expression of hatred for some group, especially in circumstances in which the communication is likely to provoke violence. It is an incitement to hatred primarily against a group of persons defined in terms of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and the like. Hate speech can be any form of expression regarded as offensive to racial, ethnic and religious groups, and other discrete minorities, or to women. 

We have walked into a very sad situation.

You and I know that speech is essential; it is how we express our desires, needs, and wants. Even though today’s world uses various techniques and electronic gadgets to communicate, we first learn to pronounce words. Words turn into messages that others can understand. In essence, words come alive.

Our parents couldn’t wait until we said “dada” or “mama.” They pushed and prodded hoping to hear these words from our mouths. When they heard them for the first time, they were so excited. I bet you if you are a parent, you remember that day!

Whatever went wrong was a gradual change.  Oh, we noticed here and there that certain words were becoming acceptable. We heard about verbal abuse and bullying, but these situations were not part of our world. Now, we see catastrophic events of today, and we are lost to a world we don’t recognize. Who would have thought? 

I don’t know when it happened, but something has gone horribly wrong. When the legal system has to define hate speech, and it becomes a governing factor within the legal system, something has gone morally and spiritually wrong! 

God speaks, “Let there be…”

“Let there be,” from the mouth of God, created the earth and humankind. In other words, He spoke, and the world came alive. Amazing! 

Tweet

https://www.gotquestions.org/power-of-words.html “Words do more than convey information. The power of our words can actually destroy one’s spirit, even stir up hatred and violence. They not only exacerbate wounds but inflict them directly. Of all the creatures on this planet, only man has the ability to communicate through the spoken word. The power to use words is a unique and powerful gift from God.” Are we here yet!? (my words)

God’s words

Luke 6:45 (NIV) A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

We may be surprised, but God is not!

We may be surprised about where we are today, but God is not! He gave His word to teach us how to treat and speak to others, and He connects our words to the condition of our hearts, both yours and mine! 

He knew we would stray out on our own and lose sight of what is right and wrong. He knew we would need help, and He gave us that help through many verses that speak to the heart of man. He wants us to learn so badly how to live in a fallen world. 

I’ve listed a few verses below, but search for yourself and find out how God speaks to you.

Is it too late to change?

Every day He gives us a chance for change. He wants to change our hearts, so the words we speak will be healthy, meaningful, healing, loving, encouraging, and hopeful, even in situations where correction is needed. He wants us to reflect Him so that people get to know Him as the lover of their souls, the lifter of their heads, and the light of their path.

It is never too late for change. Regardless of age or gender, change is always possible. But, what will change mean for you and me?

Our Challenge

Our challenge -To have a world that goes from chaos to peace, from hopelessness to hope, from Hate to Love is a challenge, and it is to you and me. When does the challenge come? The challenge comes when we can ask ourselves this question: “Am I brave enough?” It will take braving the pain and the hurt to have the peace and the hope we want to experience and see in a fallen world. Are you up for the challenge?

“What does the Bible say about the power of words?” https://www.gotquestions.org/power-of-words.html –

Further study

James, the brother of Jesus devoted his entire Chapter 3 comparing how small the tongue is to the mighty things it can do if we do not control it.

All verses are from the King James Bible