A Restless Evil

This morning I overheard a loud, colorful argument from the motel next to our apartment building. One woman shouted "Words don't mean...." Well, maybe I won't quote her. Basically she was saying that actions speak louder than words. I've been thinking about that all morning. I've also been thinking about the nursery rhyme "Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me." But how many people hold grudges because of what someone said? What's the harm in gossip if words don't hurt? Why does James say that no one can tame the tongue, "...a restless evil and full of deadly poison" (3:8)?

I keep thinking about the fact that once you say something, you can't take it back. Shouldn't that make me more careful to speak? James, again, reminds us to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger (1:19).

But do we keep silent so as not to offend? "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men" (Rom. 12:18). What about "being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you" (1 Pet. 3:15)? And the Great Commission "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I [Jesus] commanded you..." (Matt. 19-20)?

Should Christians wait to speak until someone asks "Hey, why are you different?" Or should we say we are Christians and then prove it with our actions? Why are the opinions of Christians so shunned when opinions of others (which are equally close-minded) are not only palatable but accepted?

It comes down to this in my mind (and in the Bible): Jesus was despised and forsaken so that we could have life and have it abundantly. He humbly took on the form of a man and lived the perfect example for us to follow. Unfortunately, we can't do it perfectly. But, we should not be surprised when people despise us and do not want to hear our words. But Christians must never be ashamed of the gospel and the Great God who wrote it!