Choose Your Words

The term hate speech has become a cliche in our society. It is often used to deflect any kind of statement someone doesn’t like. The social definition of hate speech is hateful words that appear to demean any person in any way. Even if it is truth. So, if someone feels as if you are belittling or degrading them in any way, it is considered “hate speech.” However, Webster Dictionary defines hate speech as, “speech expressing hatred of a particular group of people. Many Christians are being accused of hate speech when they choose to speak the truth about sin. But divine truth is not “hate speech”, it is redemptive speech.
“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.” (John 15:18)
“He who hates Me hates My Father also.” (John 15:23)
“These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me.” (John 16:3)

When Jesus came to speak the truth, it was to redeem the lost and bring those who are separated from God into a relationship with Him. Those who reject the truth ultimately reject Him, which fundamentally means they choose to hate Him rather than love Him. We learn from Scripture that not only is Jesus hated, but also by extension, His followers are hated too. But why do people choose to hate? They choose to hate because they haven’t chosen to know God and His love. The true source of hate speech comes from not knowing God. 

Throughout history and still today, we see Jesus calling out sin. He does this because He loves the individual enough to tell them the truth about their life and condition of separation from God. He loves us so deeply that He does not want us to remain in sin. The Apostle Paul also encouraged believers to be truthful in love, “but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,” (Ephesians 4:15). 

Those who know God will speak the truth in love because God is love.

The purpose of speaking the truth in love is to nurture individuals so they can grow up and mature in their relationship with God, not to scorn them. Do not be afraid to speak God’s truth, but remember that when you do, do so in love. May you always intend to introduce people to the Father who loves them, and the Son who died for them.

Pastor Cary Wacker

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