Freedom To Speak

'Freedom of Speech' is very important. It is a key to mental health in a society and in an individual. The Bible promotes liberty and healthy boundaries. It define profitable and unprofitable speech but it doesn't 'shut us down' with spoken or unspoken rules.

"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses." - Matthew 18:15-16 ESV

The Bible doesn't say, 'Just forgive them, forget about it and never talk about it.' It gives a proper channel that honors all parties involved. There is a time and place. One that isn't libelous (written defamation) or slanderous (verbal defamation). Some things never need to be said but others must be said and faced.

Perhaps you were brought up in a home where certain subjects were 'out of bounds' and if you ever brought them up you would get a sharp negative response... maybe even a violent response. Like most abuse.. the victim might just grow up and become the abuser if there is no healing of the wound. You feel that way about certain subjects and you can't even pinpoint why.

God wants to heal you of that and every other wound that has damaged your soul. God will listen. The scripture will give definition on how God thinks so our mind can be changed if we have a wrong perspective.. which results in wrong dealings with others.

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." - Ephesians 4:29 KJV

Notice the emphasis on self-governance. It does not say 'their mouth'. It says 'your mouth'.

I want my speech to be a 'faith confession' because that is profitable but I pour out my heart to God and nothing is off limits. At the same time I want to end the 'conversation' with His point of view. The poison gets purged and life-giving words fill that place in my heart and mind. Healing happens.

Yes. Freedom to speak is needed to have real freedom. Are you free?

"So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.' " - John 8:31-32 ESV

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