One of the things that we have always valued greatly in this country, is the right to freedom of speech. To be able to express an opinion, or put a point of view, or make a statement (within reason) without fear of retribution or censure.

Indeed, there is a part of Hyde Park in London called Speakers’ Corner put aside for public speaking by an act of parliament in 1872. Even now, on a Sunday morning, people still gather to listen to speakers expounding their views on various subjects.

Sadly though, this right to free speech has started to be eroded. Among other things, we now have police investigating ‘non-crime hate incidences’, and although I understand these were originally meant to cover any act perceived by another to be motivated by hostility, there seems to be a desire to extend the scope to other areas that will affect the freedom to express opinions that other people may object to.

Recently, we have seen people ‘no platformed’ at various universities, because their views would offend some students, which is sad, because as well as being centres of learning, most universities were also great centres of debate.

Unfortunately, many people take offence at any opinion or view that is different from their own but, as someone recently said: “No one has the right not to be offended.”

Jesus, in his three years of ministry, offended quite a lot of people, not because he set out to, but because he told them the truth about themselves, and sometimes, the truth hurts, but we need to hear it. Proverbs 27:6: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.”

The Gospel is also an offence to many, because it tells us truths about ourselves. Romans 3:23: “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 6:23: “...the wages of sin is death” (bad news - but the good news). John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

So, people need to hear the ‘bad’ to appreciate the ‘good’.

Michael Hall, The Wey Church