In Regard to the Numerous Shootings

In regard to the world's response to Charlie Kirk's and the numerous other shootings this week.

We don't have to agree or accept everything people say, but to help us understand we turn to the Bible which offers guidance on the manner of speech--emphasizing truth, love, and edification--rather than a direct theological concept of "freedom of speech" in the modern, legal sense.

While the Bible encourages proclaiming God's truth, it also contains warnings against the destructive power of the tongue.

Biblical principles suggest that while Christians should speak God's truth, even when it clashes with the world's values, they should do so with wisdom, grace and love, rather than allowing speech to evolve into harmful "hate speech" or "gossip."

Christians are called to speak "only what is HELPFUL," for building others up according to their needs, and to use words to encourage, exhort, and rebuke when necessary.

Verses like James 3:8 describe the tongue as a "restless evil, full of deadly poison," highlighting the potential harm that careless speech can inflict.

Speech should be seasoned with grace and spoken in love, as without love, even powerful words become meaningless or harmful.

What should we do?

While the legal right to free speech might print offensive speech, biblical principles suggest that Christian's should uphold the cultural norms of politeness and gentility--even while supporting legal free speech.

The Bible encourages speaking truth and holding leader's accountable but also emphasizing that this must be done with truthfulness and wisdom.

So in summary, the Bible teaches that while Christians have a divine mandate to speak God's truth, they should do so with restraint, love and wisdom, recognizing the potential harm of their words and the possibility of worldly opposition of their message.

The word love is used over 500 times in the NIV Bible. What do you think Jesus is trying to tell us?

A Blessing for Civil Leaders:

We honor You O God, for Your infinite wisdom is providing for the innocent and to punish the wicked. We know that You establish authorities, and set the times of their administration. We bless those whom You have appointed to lead our society and our community. May You give them wisdom in their tasks. May they trust in You and uphold Your law so that the people of this community may live their lives in the security of justice and peace. Amen

-Pastor Alexis