One of us miscounted.
As we made our way to the Tidal Basin to enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival, the voice of the rally's speaker carried clearly across the largely empty grassy area. I only had to listen for a moment to realize two things. First, he was angry. Angry enough to rail at people of faith. Angry enough to curse them. Ironically, I wondered if there was much power in damning people in the name of a God he didn't believe in.Second, I realized that although the staging area was ringed with uniformed police officers with fierce-looking canines, the authorities allowed the speaker to rail and curse unmolested. His right to freedom of speech is guaranteed by the First Amendment, and the police officers who guarded this area also guarded his right to say anything he wanted.
I realized this atheist was exercising a freedom that I as a Christian do not have.
I cannot curse those who don't believe as I do.
I cannot express hate or disdain for those who criticize what I hold most dear.
I cannot outshout or bully or taunt them.
I cannot exercise the liberty of free speech, because I answer to a higher law.
Instead of the First Amendment, which says I can say anything I want, regardless of its destructive power, I answer to the Word of God, which tells me to
"Bless those who curse you."(Mt. 5:44)
"Speak the truth in love." (Eph 4:15)
and "not let any unwholesome talk come out of (my) mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Eph. 4:29)
Can I say angry, bitter, destructive words to those who disagree with me?
Yes.
Should I?
No.
The love of God compels me otherwise.
"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." (Jas. 3:17).
That day, walking away from the "largest gathering of nonbelievers," I chose to exercise my God-given freedom of speech.
I chose to "pray for those who despitefully use you."
And I did it out loud.
*(http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/24/atheist-rally_n_1377443.html).
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