Day 3: Freedom
Proverbs 18:20-21 says, “From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
Life and death are held in the power of the tongue and here in a country were we have freedom of speech how have we used that freedom to actually build and bring life? Perhaps for some it has felt the opposite of that where there has been a silencing of your speech?
Solomon also writes in Provers 16:24 “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Can our words truly be healing to the body and sweet to the soul? I believe that they can! Again then how have we used our freedom of speech towards those around us and ourselves?
What does it look like to use our freedom of speech here in the United States? How have you seen it used well, how have you seen it used poorly? How do you want to use your freedom of speech in a manner that is healing for yourself and others? What is one way you can use your speech for life today?
Father, we thank you that we have the ability to use our voices and to have the freedom to do so here in the United States. Jesus, we come before you asking that we would be your vessels across this land to be like honeycomb to those around us. We ask for forgiveness where words of hate rather than love have been spoken. Teach us the words to say and how to say them, to speak truth in love. Heal our own hearts from words that have been spoken over us, reveal lies that have become deeply ingrained in our minds and hearts; and may we forgive those who have spoken them to us. God let us walk in freedom today knowing that we are here as your messengers of the Good News! May a sweeping of your Spirit blow through this nation to radically transform our speech today and everyday forward!
For more information on freedom of speech here is a short History article: https://www.history.com/topics/united-states-constitution/freedom-of-speech
