Reflecting on the Power of Our Speech and the Need for Respect
There’s a simple truth in life: our words can build up or tear down. In the Bible, James 3:9-10 emphasizes an important lesson. We use the same tongue to praise God. Yet, we also curse people who are made in God’s image. That’s not the way it’s supposed to be. We can’t say we love God and then use our words to hurt others.
That’s why Ann Coulter’s recent comment about Native Americans is so troubling.1 When someone says, “We didn’t kill enough Indians,” it’s not just a bad joke or a slip-up. It’s deeply hurtful. It treats the suffering of Native peoples—who faced violence, loss of land, and centuries of pain—as something less than human. These are wounds that still affect families and communities today. Making light of that or, worse, approving of it, is simply wrong.
Words like these go against everything that kindness, decency, and faith teach us. No matter your background or beliefs, basic respect for other people should be the starting point. If we see ourselves as people of faith, we must speak up. Even if we just care about what’s right, we have a duty to act when we hear hate or racism. Jesus taught us to love each other, look out for those who are hurt, and stand against injustice. That’s what true strength looks like.
At the end of the day, what we say shapes the world around us. If we want a world where everyone is treated with fairness and dignity, it starts with choosing our words wisely. We need to call out hurtful speech, not ignore it. Let’s lift each other up. Let’s listen carefully. Let’s never forget the power our words have to heal or to harm.
Let’s keep things simple. If we choose to be kind, honest, and respectful, life gets better. This improvement is not just for us, but for everyone who comes after us. It’s important to remember that what we say matters. Our words can make people feel good or bad, encouraged or discouraged, included or left out. Every time we talk, we can help lift someone up or bring them down. That’s why it’s smart to think before we speak. We should try to use words that are positive, helpful, and full of hope. When we’re careful with our words, we aren’t just helping others—we’re making our own lives better, too. So, let’s make it a habit to speak with care. We should aim to be a source of kindness and support wherever we go. After all, the way we talk shapes the world around us.
Notes:
- (2025, July 8). Ann Coulter Draws Outrage Over Vile Post About Killing Native Americans [Review of Ann Coulter Draws Outrage Over Vile Post About Killing Native Americans]. HuffPost.
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