Free Speech: It Comes from Within

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(Matthew 5:37) Let what you say be simply "Yes" or "No"; anything more than that comes from evil.

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This was spoken in the context of God becoming human and delivering us from the powerful entrapments of Evil. Specifically, people had been inflating their talk and ideas with wordy promises, hoping their elaborate, overworked props would make them more acceptable and convincing. Ah, the strength of simplicity. They didn't understand love or freedom.

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In this "good advice," I hear Jesus encouraging a much simpler life. No longer do I have to overwork my justifications for who I am or what I do. The honesty of my uncluttered statements and the integrity of my explanations will either confirm or contradict who I am. Phew! I have much better ways to spend my limited time and energy. There are much better issues to attend to.

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Lord, it's clear that Evil would have me fussing over pointless causes. Help me to live simply, to speak plainly and truthfully. I want to live with integrity before You and people. Help me shed the clutter of extra words and misspent anxieties. Thank You for giving us this freedom of thought and refreshing power.