Is it wrong for a Christian to speak and say whatever is on their mind?
For instance call someone ugly?
James 3:3 - 8
NKJV - 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.
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Asked January 27 2014
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Gwendolyn Dupree-Pittman
Supporter
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Paul Bayne
Supporter
I'd better be careful here :) We as Christians must flavor our words with salt, but salt can have various effects on others. Salt stings, preserves, and melts ice (just thought that one up). We must use caution, love and patience when addressing matters that are important to the body of Christ ans to the world. I have a hard time with this and my wife sees me stewing around the house over subjects that raise my ire. That being said, we must never compromise the truth for anyone's feelings. Picture a man sitting by the side of the road. You approach him and immediately notice that his back is in flames. The worst of it is he doesn't know it. Do you grab him and throw him to the ground and stomp out the flames? Or do you politely ask if he wants you to help him douse the flames, respecting that maybe he likes being in his current situation? Political correctness has crept into the church and it makes being honest very hard or you are deemed judgmental. We are called to judge others in the church--Paul commands us to, but we can only go so far as God will allow us. Sometimes I have felt to let it go and walk away. This is why we have to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and to allow Him to speak through us. This comes with patience and maturity.
Hairy Animals
Supporter
Words can be very powerful, we all know that. Christians should be very careful to use words that will heal, not hurt. We must be a good example, and, as with everything, let Christ shine through our language. For example, we must never curse. Here are some applicable Bible verses, and remember there are lots more. The Bible takes words and language very seriously. Proverbs 18:21 Ephesians 4:29 Matthew 15:18 Proverbs 12:18 Matthew 12:36 Proverbs 16:24 Colossians 3:8 Matthew 12:37 James 3 gives a LOT of information about the tongue. It is very evil, like a "fiery serpent". We must pray and ask God to help us control it, and to know when to say what. I find it helpful to, before I say anything, ask myself "Will this benefit the other person or hurt him/her?"
Sarah Winn
Supporter
In growing up, you have to learn certain 'social filters' as what is appropriate to say and what isn't. I had to relearn all these skills as I was recovering from a brain injury. Just because you have a thought, doesn't mean you should express it. The Bible gives us a really good list of how we should act as Christians. The following Bible verse puts it very clear Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things. Back to the main question: is it wrong to call someone ugly? I would think that it is NOT something that Christ would do. God created us all in His image and to remark that one is ugly, would be to call His creation ugly.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Good question, Gwendolyn! According to the Bible, particularly James 3 and Proverbs 4, it is absolutely wrong for a Christian to speak whatever is on their mind, including calling someone ugly; the teachings emphasize the importance of controlling one's tongue and speaking with kindness and consideration, meaning calling someone ugly would be considered a harmful and sinful act. James 3:5-6: "So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell." Proverbs 4:24 "Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip." (The Message Bible [MSG])
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