Hate Speech

Hate speech is described as communication that is intended to insult, intimidate, or cause prejudice against a person or people group based on their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, religion, occupation, disability, or physical appearance. Any such negative comments, gossip, and slander are often circulated through social media.

Increasingly being included in that definition is stating certain beliefs are wrong or that certain activities are sinful, based on biblical principles. Yet telling someone the truth is an act of love, not hate. A building inspector

Do not fear man but declare God's truth

stating a certain piece of land is unsuitable for building due to its unstableness is not hate speech. It is better to be told the truth upfront, than turning a blind eye to the situation and the house collapsing with the loss of life. Warning by telling someone that their lifestyle is immoral, or their religion or faith system has serious Biblical errors allows them the opportunity to reconsider and hopefully change when they are presented with the facts and evidence in a gracious way. This resource aims to point out the truth of God's Word, by which we individually will be judged, and where our lives fall short of God's values begin to apply change (Jn 12:48).

As believers, we are to "Speak the truth in love" yet love is not a substitute for the truth (Eph 4:15). Our conversation is to be full of grace, seasoned with salt as we defend our faith with gentleness and respect (Mt 5:13; Col 4:6; 1 Pet 3:15). Rather than speaking

Slander no one – Titus 3:2

derogative statements that will stir up unnecessary explosive reactions we are instructed to say only what is helpful and builds others up (Eph 4:29). We are to respect other people, including those who hold different viewpoints and are different to us in so many ways.

Jesus told us that if someone insults us, we should respond mildly and without offense, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Mt 5:39-44).

Follow the example of Jesus

Later the Bible says, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all" (Rom 12:18). While it is important to avoid offending, our priority should be to uphold the truth and address unbiblical or incorrect beliefs. We must live out our faith with sensitivity and respect, without compromising on facts or biblical principles. The Bible clearly instructs Christians to love their neighbours, which entails speaking to and about them without hatred (Mt 22:37-40). Jesus set us the example, "When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly" (1 Pet 2:23).

Freedom of speech is the right of an individual or community to articulate their opinions and ideas without fear of retaliation, censorship, or legal sanction. However, the Bible says we are accountable for every careless and useless word we speak (Mt 12:36). We are to “Do [this includes speaking] to others as we would like them to do [speak] to us” (Lk 6:31).