Words matter.

One week ago, a shooting rampage in Tuscon shocked our nation. As our continued prayers are with Representative Gifford and the families of those who were harmed or killed, the commentators and politicians have spent most of the week arguing about whether or not the vicious political tenor of our nation contributed to the shooting. Yes, some say. No, say others. The argument has filled the airwaves and newpapers and conversations. And the whole argument is beside the point.
The vicious political rhetoric in our nations should stop whether a shooting ever took place or not.
The extreme language should stop because Jesus taught us to love one another as He loved us. Describing people who differ as enemies should stop because Jesus taught we should love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Lambasting others, distorting their words or actions and labeling people should stop because one of God's first major commandments is that we not bear false witness against our neighbors. The vicious attacks should stop because, even when people are enemies, the teaching of Jesus is to love our enemies.
Despite overwhelming, consistent biblical witness to the importance of love, politicians -- and many others in our society--join in condemnation, labeling and accusations without batting an eye. And then, when a tragedy like the shooting takes place, they are quick to say that the words had no effect on what happened.
Indeed, in regard to the Gifford shooting, maybe the violent rhetoric of the political climate was not the cause. That's not the point.
As a pastor, I am in a profession that passionately affirms that words matter. And I say the violence of words is wrong whether there had ever been a shooting or not. The incendiary use of language is wrong because it violates the central Christian principles of love for others. And, whether or not the Tuscon shooter was affected by extremist political language, our nation has become affected by the steady stream of invective. Maybe I should say our nation has become infected.
I urge people not to spend their time arguing about whether or not the political words caused Representative Gifford's shooting. Let us spend our time speaking the truth in love and lifting up the value of words. And don't let anyone tell you that hateful words don't matter. They matter to anyone who follows Christ.