Freedom of speech is defined by Webster’s dictionary as “the right to express facts and opinions, without censorship or restraint, subject only to reasonable limitations.” Freedom of speech, according to this definition, is a right given to the citizens of the United States by law. In that sense, freedom of speech is not a biblical concept but a political one specific to a certain time and place in history. (last sentence found on internet)
Here is my question: Does freedom of speech trample on God’s command to love one another? The answer is yes! Many people think that having the freedom of speech gives them the right to speak without censorship or restraint. The Bible says in 1 John 4:7-8 (TPT) "Those who are loved by God, let his love continually pour from you to one another, because God is love. Everyone who loves is fathered by God and experiences an intimate knowledge of him. The one who doesn’t love has yet to know God, for God is love." When we believe we have the right to say whatever we want, “without censorship or restraint”, our words become a critical and judgmental act. When we criticize we aren’t taking the time to love. The belief that “I can say whatever I want”, actually makes us a target for judgment. Matthew 7:1-2 (TPT) “Refuse to be a critic full of bias toward others, and judgment will not be passed on you. For you’ll be judged by the same standard that you’ve used to judge others. The measurement you use on them will be used on you."
Here is another example of what the Bible says:
James 4:11-12 (TPT)
"Dear friends, as part of God’s family, never speak against another family member, for when you slander a brother or sister you violate God’s law of love. And your duty is not to make yourself a judge of the law of love by saying that it doesn’t apply to you, but your duty is to obey it! There is only one true Lawgiver and Judge, the One who has the power to save and destroy—so who do you think you are to judge your neighbor?"
Freedom of speech makes us feel entitled “to express facts and opinions, without censorship or restraint.” Opinions are simply a set of rules and expectations we have set for ourselves of how life should be. We then measure others by these same set of rules. Is that fair? Of course not! The Pharisees did the same thing. Jesus, on the other hand, met the people wherever they were. He didn’t rub their faces in the fact that they were sinners. He loved them and taught them the right way to live. He taught them how to live without sin and sickness. He modeled what life should be!
There is only one instance I can think of where Jesus asked someone (Peter) for their opinion. Mark 8:29 (TPT): He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter spoke up, saying, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God!”
What was Jesus’ intention in asking Peter his “opinion” about Himself? Was Jesus struggling with His identity, trying to see how people perceived Him so He could see if He was successful? Not at all. I think Jesus was asking Peter the question to see if he was convinced about who He really was. Peter had to look inside of himself, and consider everything he had experienced so far with Jesus, to answer correctly. Peter’s answer was not an opinion but a truth about Jesus. His answer was one that gave identity and life. I think our freedom of speech should be like that too. Our opinions should give life, encouragement, be full of love, mercy and MUST represent the opinion of heaven at all times. Don’t you think?
Understanding the scripture in Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV), “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit”, means that I will not say anything, I will not give an opinion that will undermine someones identity in heaven.
To say otherwise, is to partner with hell and speak its language.
Our minds continually make assumptions about others. We look at someone and mentally tell them how to dress, how to talk, or how to behave. Even though we have not said it out loud, we are judging others with our set of rules. So how do we stop? Become aware of what is going on in our thoughts. The Bible gives us a strategy in 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 (NKJV): “… casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”
Before we speak, if we have a judgmental thought, take that thought and put it up against the knowledge of God’s love — devalue and humiliate that which doesn’t line up with His heart. Grab, take prisoner, and bring into a place of captivity, anything which isn’t love. A lie from hell could be in that thought, and you need to drown that lie into the truth of what God says. When you do that, you are punishing the accuser of men with your obedience of what you know is the truth.
Next time you see something that really bothers you or rattles your emotions and believes, think before you speak and be aware of what your thoughts are, because whether we speak it or not, we will be judged by God even by the intentions of our hearts.
My Freedom of Speech is one that represents heaven and speaks life, identity, freedom, love and empowerment to everyone I see and meet.
Len Rodriguez
