In light of the recent passing of Federal Hate-Speech laws, there is much discussion in the public square regarding what we can and cannot say - time will tell what these new laws will do! However, for the Christian, the boundaries of our speech should never be defined merely by the law of the land, but by the law of Christ - i.e. love.
While legislation attempts to restrain the worst of human nature, the Gospel calls us to embody the best of it. We are not merely called to avoid "hate speech"; we are called to active love in our speech and actions.
As the James warns us, the tongue is a restless evil. It is a profound spiritual inconsistency to use our voices to sing praises to God on Sunday, only to tear down His image-bearers on Monday (James 3:9-11). If fresh water and salt water cannot flow from the same spring, then bitterness and the blessing of the Gospel cannot flow from the same heart.
Therefore, our response to a watching world must be distinct. We must pursue the difficult balance found in Ephesians 4:15 - speaking the truth in love. Truth without love is harsh and repelling; love without truth is sentimental and hollow. Maturity is found in holding these two together ... in and because of Christ.
Furthermore, our speech must be validated by our lives. As 1 John 3:18 reminds us, we must not love merely with words, but "with actions and in truth." When our kindness is tangible and our integrity is visible, we silence our critics not through argument, but through character. Let us live so that when the world looks at us, they have nothing bad to say, because they see the love of Christ in everything we do.
1 Peter 3:13-16
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
See some of these live-action shots from our Full On Reunion Service:
1 Thessalonians 5:8-9
But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.