Be Kind in Actions and Words

If there is one thing I strongly dislike, it is censorship. People should be able to decide for themselves if it is something they desire to read or watch or listen to. With that said, I think we can all agree I do not post anything that is offensive or would otherwise, in my humble opinion, offend people, but apparently that is not the case.

My post yesterday was honoring the passing of my husband 3 years ago. I spoke of his favorite meal and included some recipe ingredients. I talked about my uncle Bill who recently passed and his love of flyfishing. Anyway, I won’t rehash it, but I tried three times to post it to Facebook and three times I got the same reply from them. About an hour later I was sent a notification that another one of my posts from the Wednesday after Christmas was also deemed offensive. That too has been removed apparently. Who knows if this will make it :)

It was so extremely frustrating to me yesterday to not be allowed to post an uplifting blog on a public forum in the United States of America, but suddenly a thought came to me. Friends, there is coming a time when even more of our “freedom of speech” will no longer be free. Are we prepared for that?

Our first Amendment states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Have we seen examples of these freedoms and rights being put to the test already?

It seems there is an ongoing conversation about the boundaries of free speech in today's digital landscape. Social media platforms often have guidelines and algorithms to moderate content, but sometimes these systems might misinterpret or inaccurately flag content, leading to removals that seem unwarranted. I am hoping this was the case in both instances.

But to answer the question, yes, we have witnessed numerous instances where freedom of speech has been tested. The debate often revolves around the balance between allowing free expression and preventing harm, hate speech, misinformation, or other content that platforms or “authorities” deem inappropriate.

There have been debates about social media content, political expression, artistic freedom, and more, all raising questions about the extent to which speech should be protected and where limitations might be necessary.

It is a complex issue! While freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it also intersects with the responsibility to ensure that expression does not harm others or incite violence.

As kids we used to say, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” It was a way of teaching a generation that just because someone says something to you that you do not like, does not mean it is the end of the world. Words do not hurt you unless you allow them too. I strongly believe that. On the other hand, I was taught to speak kindly so that I did not hurt other people’s feelings. (I have failed at this multiple times in my life by the way.)

The internet and social media have become prominent spaces for public dialogue and much of it is not kind. In fact, I am no longer active on my personal facebook account. After 13 years, I closed the door and stepped away. I had the freedom to do that.

What does the Bible say about these sorts of freedoms? Do I have the right to do anything? Yes, but not everything is beneficial. Do I have the right to do anything? Yes, but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. (Those are Paul’s words not mine by the way.)

He wrote "All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 ESV

This reminds me that while I may have the right to express myself, I should consider the impact on those around me. We do that by putting others first; including their feelings.

Ephesians 4:29 offers some excellent advice on speech:

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

We are to use the words that come out of our mouth to uplift and encourage, period. So, I guess I would say, in a world where you can be anything, just be kind.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV

by Jeanette Stark – Thursday, January 4, 2024