America has developed vocal cancer. Abnormal cells have begun to divide uncontrollably and are destroying the tissue of our society.
Free speech is a beautiful right. Yet, when we take was was designed to be tool and reshape it into a weapon, something has gone horribly amiss. The expression “You can win the battle but lose the war” has never been more true. The war raging through our country is anything but civil. It’s left against right, extreme right against liberal Christian, outspoken friend against timid friend, soul against soul.
May I offer a gentle reminder? This comes with tears in my eyes and a bruise on my heart: Please, think before you speak! We have become a society of bullies, demanding our voice and opinion be heard through every avalible platform. We forcibly expect understanding, fight the opposition and applaud those who are in our camp. Gone are the days of gracious, civil discord.
If your are fueled by anger, outrage or despair, chances are good that your arguments will reflect your emotional state, adding to the fires of division. Of course there are important issues worth fighting for. But, if you get your way through force, have you won anything or simply dominated someone else?
What if we all took a pause? What if we stopped to really consider our words and the reasons why we want them to be heard? Will you win someone over to your side with your post or comment or article? Or, will you further drive a wedge between you and those who disagree with you?
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. . . ” James 1:19
