“I’m just saying…”
September 7th, 2010 by Kristi Stephens
Just a quick thought this afternoon…
If you read my post on emotional modesty last week, you probably already know that I have become burdened about the way Christians interact with others online.
This online social phenomenon has greatly reduced our inhibitions - things that we never would say to someone’s face we feel entitled to say online. NP and I often joke about the absurd way people use the phrase, “I’m just sayin’…” – as though any insult, any hurtful comment is made acceptable with these three words. Another manifestation of these things would be “in my opinion…”
Just because I have an opinion does not mean I should share it.
While legally our “free speech” is definitely to be protected, there is another law which should govern what we decide to say and do, what we post on facebook, what we tweet, what we blog about.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29
What if everything we say, in person or online, was carefully considered through this lens: is this helpful to build others up? Am I considering their needs? Will it benefit those who listen?
I can choose to communicate selfishly – only considering what is “my right” and what I “need to express.” But as a follower of Jesus, I am accountable to communicate selflessly – considering what is pure, lovely, excellent, praiseworthy, what will honor the name of my Lord, and what will benefit someone other than myself.
What will you choose today?
But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
Matthew 12:36
- 9 Comments »
- Posted in Friendship, Uncategorized
September 7th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
These verses convict me every time! Thank you for the reminder that I choose the words I use, especially on-line. I have time to think and pray before I type.
Sandra´s last blog ..Doing Our Husbands Good
September 7th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
This is such a good reminder and one I’ve been thinking about myself lately. I appreciate your challenge to look at how we interact online and think twice before “just sayin” what’s on my mind.
Kristine McGuire´s last blog ..I Don’t Know That I’d Call It Fascinating
September 7th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Great post, Kristi. And powerful reminder. Like Sandra those verses are very convicting to me … Thank you, friend, for always being willing to confront the difficult subjects. #justsayin ;)
Teri Lynne Underwood´s last blog ..Oh the Consequences!
September 7th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
A great follow-up to last week’s post. Our tongues can be used for good or evil. We can easily slip into evil when we get careless with our speech.
Shelli @ Hopefully Devoted´s last blog ..Alone with God
September 9th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Yes, Kristi, you are so true here. God is so true here. So amazing that God doesn’t leave us to wonder how to honor Him; He tells us in His Word. Oh that we would renew our minds daily so our mouths and typing fingers would put out a sweet fragrance.
Julie´s last blog ..This is what a godly mom looks like
September 10th, 2010 at 12:27 am
Kristi, this is a very good post and so was the one on emotional modesty. It never ceases to amaze me how awfully inconsiderate and rude people are in general, and Christians are no exception. The idea of doing to others and loving your neighbor as yourself doesn’t even cross many people’s minds anymore. I can’t help but think how much people in general need our prayers.
Thank you so much for all you share with us my sweet friend.
Much love,
Anita ♥
http://aseknc.blogspot.com/
aseknc(at)gmail(dot)com
Anita´s last blog ..Sundays Square
September 10th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Thank you, Anita – so appreciate your encouragement and like-mindedness! :)
September 10th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Oh these verses always hit home! I also think of these when good people (Christians!) tease and cut each other down and say “I’m just kidding,..” I recite Ephesians 4:29 and the one about firebrands and arrows (Proverbs 26:18) to my children often (and would do well to think of them more often myself!)
I *do* use the phrase “I’m just sayin” a lot.. it’s one of my common catch phrases, but I do hope that I never use it like this. I think, I hope, I mostly just use it to state the obvious. Like, “Chocolate is one of God’s tastiest creations, I’M JUST SAYIN’.” I’ll have to pay more attention to make sure. =)
Amber @ Classic Housewife´s last blog ..SpellQuizzer- Review & Giveaway
January 29th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
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