Often, we are critical of others without any thought. We are merciless and ruthless in our judgments. We exercise our right to freedom of speech often without regard for its effect on others. And if they would treat us in the same manner, we would be appalled. Lord, help us to see more clearly that it's not all about freedom of speech.
When Aaron and Miriam criticized Moses for marrying an Ethiopian woman, God noted it as sin that required repentance. Miriam was stricken with leprosy and then, Aaron quickly repented in Numbers 12:11. "And Aaron said to Moses, “Please, my lord, I ask you not to hold against us the sin we have so foolishly committed."
Sometimes, it is not until we have to face consequences or confrontation before we get to the place that we become repentive in heart. We have to be caught or something bad happens before we wake up, smell the coffee, and realize - we have sinned. Whatever the case, the most important factor is that we indeed repent. Once we realize we have sinned, we must confess it before God and also the one we have wronged.
Help us Lord in this free American society to understand that we have freedom of speech, but we must guard our words and our mouth. Words can hurt others. And our words can be sin against those we cherish the most.
