The verses below paint a vivid picture of the power of words – for better and for worse.
We have seen evidence of this India, where hate speech by far-right Hindu nationalist groups fuels hostility towards people of a lower caste and religious minorities, such as Dalits, Christians and Muslims. The implications can be serious; in extreme cases, it has provoked vigilantism and sectarian violence.
Just a few months ago, a leader of India’s ruling party was charged with hate speech against Muslims for the eighth time. T Raja Singh made the comments in Telangana state, but there have been similar incidents in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. Communal violence on the basis of religion or belief is particularly concerning around election season. India will be holding its general elections in 2024.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/india
Reflect on the verses below and pray that hate speech would have no place in Indian politics and society. Pray especially that no hostility would be stirred up against religious minorities in the run-up to the elections. May God bring harmony, peace and understanding across the nation.
Sunday 25 February
‘The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.’ (Proverbs 18:21 NLT)
Monday 26 February
‘Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.’ (James 3:5)
Tuesday 27 February
‘Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.’ (Ephesians 4:29)
Wednesday 28 February
‘All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.’ (James 3:7-8)
Thursday 29 February
‘Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.’ (Proverbs 16:24)
Friday 1 March
‘[Speak] to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (Ephesians 5:19-20)
Saturday 2 March
‘Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.’ (Proverbs 18:20 NLT)