The very first amendment of the constitution guarantees the freedom of speech. That freedom is being attacked, and unfortunately, I believe we have lost free speech as it was originally intended. For example, earlier this year, Ann Coulter was refused the right to speak at UC Berkeley.

It is horrible to see what has been going on in the United States lately. We used to have many divisions in ideas and philosophies, but at least we would listen to each other and respect the other person’s position. We would actually respect them enough to fight for the other person’s freedom to say and believe what they want to believe. This is a basic right in our great country.

Ann Coulter couldn’t go to Berkeley because of the violence! I don’t agree with everything she says, but I believe that someone should’ve brought in more police or done whatever was necessary to protect this important right for people to say what they want to say. It is a horrible thing when riots and thugs will disrupt democracy, and that is exactly what is happening in this country.

What does the Bible say about speech? It warns us in James that our words can do much harm. In Ephesians, we are told to speak the truth in love. Also, in Colossians, it says that our speech should always be with grace.

We are told to use our tongue (our speech) properly. As Christians, we ought to speak truth with love and grace. As Americans, we need to protect the freedom for people to be able to say what they need to say. The reason this is so important is because we need to be able to tell people what the Bible says. If people’s right to speak is taken away, then we lose the right to share with others the gospel with which we have been entrusted.

Today, let’s pray for this nation and for God to protect our rights. Also, let us use the freedoms we do have to share the gospel message with everyone we can.