While I don't believe Christ-followers should by their silence condone the un-Christlike info or words that come from fellow believers, whatever the arena or medium, I do believe in prayerful retrospect that what I shared last week in my post “What Did Obama Say?” could have been more clearly articulated. Therefore, I have deleted said post. And am confident this one better expresses my original intent.
- Thou shalt “raise the bar” [and the roof – woot woot!!!] by speaking truth in love. Ephesians 4:15 says, “Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”
- Thou shalt not exaggerate others' beliefs nor make unfounded prejudicial assumptions based on labels, categories, or stereotypes. Thou shalt always extend the benefit of the doubt. Ephesians 4:29 [NIV] says, “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.”
- Thou shalt set an example with thy words. 1 Timothy 4:12 [NIV]: “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Following these communication commandments may not resolve health care reform, but they could encourage more Christ-followers of both political parties to try. Harder. Maybe that's what most of the least of these are waiting for. Click the comments below to see two more communication commandments.
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Here's two more communication commandments Christ followers of both political parties should agree to follow:
Thou shalt express thy disagreements with others’ ideas without insulting, mocking, or slandering them personally. Matthew 5:22 [NIV] says, “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
Thou shalt express thyself with civility, courtesy, and respect especially toward those with whom thou disagree—even if thou feels disrespected by them. Romans 12:17-21 says, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. 20On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
My respect for you right now is shooting through the roof!
Excellent post, Mike. Clearly, great counsel we need and can apply to our lives. Thanks for clarifying what you meant.
I'm glad you articulated these Biblical ideas. WTG! Your points here are very well made, and humbly taken. Thanks for helping us learn from the Bible, and from each other. Thanks for helping us grow!
Hello Pastor Mike.
Thank you for sharing more about Jesus in truth and love. It's what we need, and I appreciate and enjoy your thoughts. Please keep me on your list!
In this political fire storm we find ourselves in, truth in love is criticial. As well, as the simply truth that God is in control.
I LOVE that Snoopy truth-ism! So who delcares anyone "right," anyway. That's why Jesus has made a big deal out of humility all along.
"Appearing" right does not mean a thing. "Feeling or believing" one is right does not mean a thing. Those all represent arrogance.
Having a trajectory towards right is a brave and humble thing, if you think about it. Especially if one can impose this mission only on one's own self, as opposed to trying to get others to 'see or do it the "right way".'
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