Day 26

Freedom of speech is not the permission for freedom to abuse..
God wants us to have the freedom of speech where we can speak meaningfully about morality or moral responsibility..
God’s Word gives us principles of how we ought to express ourselves and how we should communicate our beliefs and opinions..
Whilst God has given mankind freewill, it is important to note that our freewill must function within the guidelines of the Word of God. Therefore in God’s eyes, man does not have the authority to abuse his freewill nor to abuse his freedom of expression..
My dearest brothers and sisters, take this to heart: Be quick to listen, but slow to speak. And be slow to become angry..
1. We Must Avoid Malicious & Obscene Talk or Expressions
Colossians 3:8-9
Our freedom of expression must not include lies, deception, malice, anger or obscenities in language.
2. Our Speech Must Seek to Build and Not Destroy
Ephesians 4:29
Speaking the right words can build and encourage others. However speaking lies or any kind of deceptive talk can eventually corrupt or destroy people.
Therefore our speech must always have the intention or motive of edifying and helping others rather than destroying them.
3. We Must Speak The Truth In Love
Ephesians 4:15
God desires that we speak the truth and that we express the truth with a loving attitude or motive.
4. Our Freedom of Expression Must Glorify Jesus Christ
Colossians 3:17
Our speech and our deeds must glorify God and bring people to the knowledge of the nature and character of Jesus Christ.
People must know more about the nature of God by the way we speak and interact with others. Ultimately the way we conduct ourselves in word or deed must become a testimony that points others to seeing the nature and character of Jesus Christ in our lives..
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.….”(Galatians 5:13‬)