I have been told on numerous occasions to ‘get off my soapbox.’ Stating your view was encouraged in my family, and my love of talking complemented this. But I recently had an instance where I seriously questioned my petulance to voice opinion. So I ask – when is it okay to speak up, and when is it better to shut the trap?
My first answer to this question was – when it doesn’t hurt anyone. Premeditated words aimed at hurt or destruction is as violent as physical attack. Let’s place these instances aside as something that should never happen.
So when to speak? I found this a really hard question to answer. There are so many sides to the argument.
I hate the thought that offence is taken at my opinion. But if we never speak for fear of offence, then there’s a good chance that we may never speak at all. There will always be someone who has a differing opinion (and this must also be respected).
I have also contemplated that if no one ever voiced opinion, what would become of our political system, social constraints or laws? It makes sense as humans to question things we don’t agree with. We have a natural predisposition to do so.
Then there is the argument against speaking out. We do live in a politically correct society. Our words could be interpreted as mentally unstable, or worse – discriminatory. What we say may could be misconstrued, or pegged as bigotry. Fear of this has to be an overwhelming deterrent. Not to mention, the foolishness of being drawn into a fruitless argument.
I think perhaps the answer lies in a relatively simple concept. You can respect something or someone, but not necessarily agree with what is represented or said.
I don’t think it’s completely unimaginable to love someone while disagreeing with their words or deeds. As parents we correct our children because we don’t agree with their behavior, but we still love them. We may not agree with a political party or organization, but we don’t set out to lynch their leaders. We don’t always agree with the way others live their lives, but we don’t hate them for it, and respect their right to live in peace and happiness.
So – when to speak? I’m thinking perhaps when we can extend both grace and opinion. What do you think?
Rose Dee. Author. Redemptive Fiction 
Hi Rose,
A very thought-provoking post, especially when I am someone who is straightforward in my approach to others. However, my motive for being upfront means one thing … I’m honest because I care about a person. I always try to say what’s on my heart with love and encouragement. How my listener takes that is up to them. I have no control over their thoughts or their life’s journey up to this point, however, I would like to think I can change a person’s life for the better if what I say to them will help them grow as a person. This is my number one motivation and it is always my intention to be gracious in my opinion and gracious in accepting that maybe I can get it wrong, too.
Blessings.
Hello Rose,
I always speak when prompted to by the Spirit. I am also silent when He tells me to be. There have been mnay times that I have had to remian silent and many blog posts I have written only to delete them. I believe that God knows the hearts of all men and therefore He is the best judge of when I speak. When I read about Jesus in the bible he always knew when to speak because the Spirit of God was with Him, just as He lives in us. Jesus was not always well received either, but he did the Father’s work. I believe the goal is to love him more than we love ourselves, even at the cost of being hurt.
I love to read your words. xxNicole
I think it is important to speak up when we feel prompted by the Spirit, but to all was speak out in love. There will always be people who are dealing with issues in their own life who will be offendedif our opinion differs from theirs, but that’s when we need to extend grace or bless those who come against us.
Your post has been a great reminder… Love, grace, bless.
Xxx