The Power of Words

Religion and Politics

Haiti Greenhouse

The Power of Words

Religion and Politics

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.

Ephesians 4:29 (NRSV)

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Romans 13:1 (NIV)

“Paul urges his hearers to be good citizens, to make sure that their public behavior matches up to the gospel, to be good neighbors, to do good to all.”

NT WrightPaul and the Faithfulness of

God

So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.

Philemon 17-18 (NIV)

Reasons We Struggle Politically

• An unwillingness to listen

“People who want to share their religious/political views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.”

Dave Berry

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry

James 1:19 (NIV)

Reasons We Struggle Politically

• An unwillingness to listen• Failure to see others as people

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Mark 12:31 (NIV)

Reasons We Struggle Politically

• An unwillingness to listen• Failure to see others as people

• A desire to win at any cost

You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.'

Matthew 5:21-22 (NLT)

But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

Matthew 5:21-22 (NLT)

Positive ways to bring our faith to bear on politics

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28 (NIV)

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you,

1 Corinthians 1:10-12;12:31;13:4-8(NIV)

but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this:

1 Corinthians 1:10-12;12:31;13:4-8(NIV)

One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”… I will show you the most excellent way …

1 Corinthians 1:10-12;12:31;13:4-8(NIV)

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

1 Corinthians 1:10-12;12:31;13:4-8(NIV)

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 1:10-12;12:31;13:4-8(NIV)

Emma Daniel Gray

May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:14 (TLB)