Hate Speech in Today's Culture

Understanding Hate Speech

Hate speech is described as communication that is intended to insult, intimidate, or cause prejudice against a person or people group based on their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, religion, occupation, disability, or physical appearance. Any such negative comments, gossip, and slander are often circulated through social media.

Increasingly being included in that definition is stating certain beliefs are wrong or that certain activities are sinful, based on biblical principles. Yet telling someone the truth is an act of love, not hate. A building inspector stating a certain piece of land is unsuitable for building due to its unstableness is not hate speech.

It is better to be told the truth upfront, than turning a blind eye to the situation and the house collapsing with the loss of life. Warning by telling someone that their lifestyle is immoral, or their religion or faith system has serious Biblical errors allows them the opportunity to reconsider and hopefully change when they are presented with the facts and evidence in a gracious way. This resource aims to point out the truth of God's Word, by which we individually will be judged, and where our lives fall short of God's values begin to apply change (Jn 12:48).

As believers, we are to "Speak the truth in love" yet love is not a substitute for the truth (Eph 4:15). Our conversation is to be full of grace, seasoned with salt as we defend our faith with gentleness and respect (Mt 5:13; Col 4:6; 1 Pet 3:15).

Do not fear man but declare God's truth

Rather than speaking derogative statements that will stir up unnecessary explosive reactions we are instructed to say only what is helpful and builds others up (Eph 4:29). We are to respect other people, including those who hold different viewpoints and are different to us in so many ways.

Jesus told us that if someone insults us, we should respond mildly and without offense, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Mt 5:39-44).

Slander no one – Titus 3:2

Later the Bible says, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all" (Rom 12:18). While it is important to avoid offending, our priority should be to uphold the truth and address unbiblical or incorrect beliefs. We must live out our faith with sensitivity and respect, without compromising on facts or biblical principles.

The Bible clearly instructs Christians to love their neighbours, which entails speaking to and about them without hatred (Mt 22:37-40). Jesus set us the example, "When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly" (1 Pet 2:23).

Freedom of Speech and Biblical Accountability

Freedom of speech is the right of an individual or community to articulate their opinions and ideas without fear of retaliation, censorship, or legal sanction. However, the Bible says we are accountable for every careless and useless word we speak (Mt 12:36).

We are to "Do [this includes speaking] to others as we would like them to do [speak] to us" (Lk 6:31). This golden rule should guide all our communication, ensuring that we treat others with the same respect and consideration we desire for ourselves.

Principles for Graceful Communication

Effective Christian communication requires intentional application of biblical principles. Several key guidelines emerge from Scripture that can help believers speak truth lovingly in a culture that often misunderstands or rejects biblical values.

Our conversation should be full of grace, seasoned with salt (Col 4:6). This means preserving truth while communicating in ways that are palatable and respectful. Seasoned speech avoids unnecessary offense while maintaining biblical integrity.

We are instructed to say only what is helpful and builds others up (Eph 4:29). This principle requires discernment about what we share, when we share it, and how we share it. The goal is always edification, not condemnation.

We are to defend our faith with gentleness and respect (1 Pet 3:15). This approach recognizes that how we communicate truth matters as much as the truth itself. Arrogance or aggression undermines our witness and closes doors to meaningful dialogue.

Living peaceably with all, as far as it depends on us (Rom 12:18), requires wisdom in our interactions. While we must uphold biblical truth, we should avoid unnecessary offense and approach others with sensitivity and respect.

Loving our neighbours (Mt 22:37-40) means speaking to and about them without hatred. This command encompasses all our communication, whether addressing believers or unbelievers, friends or adversaries. Love provides the foundation for all truthful speech.

When we are insulted or persecuted, we should respond mildly and without offense (Mt 5:39-44). This counter-cultural response demonstrates the transforming power of the gospel and reflects Christ's own example of endurance without retaliation.

Following Christ's example means not reviling in return when reviled, not threatening when suffering, but entrusting ourselves to God who judges justly (1 Pet 2:23). This posture requires trusting God with outcomes rather than seeking personal revenge.

The ultimate goal of our communication is to point others to the truth of God's Word and to Christ Himself. Every conversation presents an opportunity to reflect God's character and to share the hope that is within us.

Reflection and Application:

• Examine your recent conversations—do they balance truth with love effectively?
• Identify areas where your communication may need more grace or more truth.
• Practice responding to insults or disagreements with mildness rather than defensiveness.
• Commit to speaking only what builds others up, in alignment with Ephesians 4:29.

See also: freedom of speech, golden rule, goodwill, hate, political correctness, respect, response, social media, speech, tongue, truth, words .