Member Care - Do Christians have freedom of speech?

I know as Americans freedom of speech is one of our values. Men and women have risked their lives to provide it for us. I am grateful for that and firmly believe as a citizen of the United States, freedom of speech is a right.

What about as citizens of the kingdom of heaven?

I do not believe I have freedom of speech as a follower of Jesus.

When I became saved Jesus became Lord of my life. I forfeited all my rights and privileges to Him. I have none. He is my master and my allegiance is to Him and my duty is obedience.

I believe the scripture teaches us to guard our words. We do not have the freedom to say whatever we want, whenever we want.

Here are just a few of the verses that instruct believers about their speech:

2 Timothy 2: 24-25 NASB
“The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, 
 
Titus 3:2
to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”

Proverbs 21:23 NASB
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.”

James 1:19-20
”I am quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.“

Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, speak what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

We should all regularly pray:
”Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!“
Psalm 141:3 ESV

I am concerned that social media has gotten us away from the God’s instructions. We post things we would never say to someone. The distance from the individual allows us to use words we would never speak to them in person.

I know the younger generation sees social media differently than I do. Social media is morally neutral. It is a tool that we can use. We do not evaluate social media through a generational lens but through a Biblical lens.

I think we would be better served if we:

• Edit our post before we post.  
• Be slow to post about the current controversy or conspiracy theory.  
• Apply the golden rule to all our post

I would like to see a revival of being polite and courteous to one another. Giving grace and covering a multitude of sins. Showing mercy to those who do not deserve it.

Questions to ask before posting:

• Do I really need to post on this?
• What is my motive in posting? Will it make a difference or just make me feel better?
• What is the best platform for me to communicate?
• Does this follow the golden rule?
• How can I be polite and courteous in my communication?
• How can I deal with this in a personal private matter not publicly?