“What man is there who desires life
and loves many days, that he may see good?
Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking deceit.”
– Psalm 34:12-13
This is a great reminder as a divided nation heads into a particularly divisive season. Though you will see and hear much that is infuriating, offensive, and discouraging, followers of Jesus can’t respond in the same way. So don’t!!!
God blesses His people when we restrain our words, speaking only truth and life in love. A Christian must not speak, like, share, repost, or retweet lies and must care enough to make sure something is true before hitting that button! Feeling true and satisfying you aren’t the test. Is it actually true? God blesses a controlled tongue because only a controlled tongue can glorify Him. An uncontrolled tongue is a tool of Satan.
Even when you’re burning with the temptation to really “blast ‘em” you must not. Should you speak up against evil? Of course! But not in a way that is evil, vicious, or cruel itself. If you have the truth, it doesn’t need to be covered with poison. Should you speak about what’s important to you? Certainly, but do it in a way that is loving and honest, not hateful and false.
Jesus changed the world with love, honesty, and truth. Admittedly, He was crucified for it but that was for our benefit as well. His Spirit lives within every true Christian. If you’re a believer, then you have that same power and should be willing to suffer to change the world. This year, resolve to speak like Jesus, post like Jesus, and tweet like Jesus. #FollowJesus