Freedom of Speech

Freedom of speech. It's a right I don't take for granted.  And it's a right that's worth defending—for others as well as myself.   

We are blessed in the U.S. to enjoy this right—we were the first country to fight for it, making it an expected right in all modern societies.  Yet even today most people on earth don't have it. 

But where does this fundamental human right come from?

As Christians we make a crucial error if we consider freedom of speech as a right bestowed by the government.  

Jesus granted humanity the freedom of speech when He created us.  It is from His hand and His hand alone that we can express ourselves through language. 

He didn't grant speech so we could say anything no matter how meaningless, or hurtful or toxic.  He granted us speech so we could fully experience life, so we could fully experience each other, so we could fully experience Him. 

He gave us freedom of speech because freedom of speech drives creativity of thought.

He gave us speech so we could speak of His wonder and His works and His love.  He gave us speech so we could strengthen and encourage each other.

Exercise your God-given freedom of speech.  Speak courageously.  Speak lovingly.  Speak of His love to and for others.

Let no fear hold you back.

Focus Scripture:  'But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said, 'Go, stand and continue to speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.'  Acts 5:19-20