It is reported that, on his journey to Jerusalem Paul arrived at Ptolemais and “greeted the brothers” (Acts 21.7). Later, as Paul neared Rome, he found “some brothers” (Acts 28.14). Such is the power of the gospel that, within two or three decades of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, that His followers were to be found everywhere.

At the end of the gospels we find the specific command to preach the gospel to “all creation” or to “every creature” (Mark 16.15). The wording here suggests a thorough declaration of the good news. Surely, we are not commanded to preach to animals too! Not literally of course, but that is the weight of this scripture. In 2 Cor 5.11, Paul comments that “we try to persuade men.” It is not sufficient to merely mention the name of Jesus Christ (although, praise God, that sometimes works!), we have a further responsibility to debate and urge, that many, very many, might find life in Christ, life in all its abundance.

It is no wonder that, in closing his letter to the Romans, Paul said, “Now that there is no room for me to work in these regions” (Rom 15.23). Such was the impact of the gospel, and its thorough influence in those regions, Paul had to find unreached areas far away.

Part of the book of Proverbs are a gathered collection of sayings. It is probably the only part of the Bible that might be described as ‘quirky’! Chapters 10 onward contain profound wisdom, pithy sayings, humour; great wisdom to enable us to life skilfully.

One of the themes that occurs throughout is that of our speech. So, some examples, with my comments;

“Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue” (Prov 17.28). It is said that Abraham Lincoln re-phrased this as: ‘Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt.’ The meaning is obvious. And we frequently find we regret something he have said, and wish we had remained silent.

The writer develops the idea further; “He who answers before listening – that is his folly and his shame” (Prov 18.13). Modern life, with its rolling news and social media, encourages us to form immediate opinions, and express those opinions immediately. We have seen that misunderstandings easily follow; controversy is kindled. Language seems to have become much more violent as a result, leading to more physical violence.

We can contrast; “the heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out” (Prov 18.15). This verse paints a picture of someone weighing up facts, balancing opposing opinions, seeking wisdom. A response from such a person will be well-considered, gracious, edifying.

No wonder, the writer as says; “when words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise” (Prov 10.19). So, do not be hasty to speak. Even then, “let your words be few” (Eccl 5.2). Proverbs contains numerous encouragements to restraint, to guard our lips (Prov 13.4), to use words with restraint (Prov 17.27), to weigh our answers (Prov 15.28). Such a thoughtful approach give sus opportunity for silence, for a measured and careful response.

Indeed, Proverbs also contains numerous encouragements to listen and learn. The early chapters are addressed as words from a father to his son; and it is a wise son who heeds his father’s instruction (Prov 13.1). Listening to such instruction means the son is also counted as a wise man (Prov 15.31; 19.20).

I could write much more.  But that would defeat my point!

“The killer was from Libya.” These words referred to a knife attack in Reading, which left three dead.

Is that a racist statement?

Maybe not, but it does contribute to a national supremacy agenda.

Let me explain.

Numerous awful crimes are reported in our media. Murders, rapes, people trafficking. Very often we are told the nationality of the perpetrator(s). for example, a Nigerian man killed this person; a group of Pakistani men raped these women, etc, etc.

But, when Ian Huntly (Soham), Thomas Hamilton (Dunblane), Michael Ryan (Hungerford) are referred to, there is no reference to their British heritage. When Jo Cox, MP, was killed, her murderer, Thomas Mair was referred to as a ‘far-right terrorist,’ not a ‘British Man.’

This subtle difference has a drip-drip effect on our thinking.

We already believe Britain to be ‘great.’ Its even in our name. We are ‘Great Britain.’ Other countries have names, France, India, Brazil – none are ‘great.’ So we have inherited a tendency to national superiority. And we had an empire! The sun never set on our empire.

The reporting of awful crimes by ‘foreigners’ in this way reinforces our sense of superiority. And, when a British man is identified as a killer, he is ‘far-right.’ The contrast is significant. It normalises evil behaviour in the foreigner in contrast to the behaviours of British people.

Our thinking becomes, ‘I am better than him.’ This leads to ‘we are better than they.’ And that is racism.