Before the social media craze, I was a people watcher. Sitting in the mall was great fun watching the people go by and wondering what was going on in their life. Why were they happy? Why were they sad? Now, I have social media that is “people watching” at its best. I know what they are thinking now. I know. I sound creepy and stalker-ish. However, I know most of you do it too. How often do you scroll through Facebook or Twitter but never comment or “like” or retweet? You might comment to your spouse or friends with, “Did you see...?” I am curious about what people are willing to offer up, and if there is an especially spicy squabble, I have scrolled through and read the comments as well, after all they did offer it up. I have even at times commented, but primarily, I’m the creeper.
Recently, I have noticed that social media has become an outlet for bashing others. Some bash in the name of their religion, others their morals, and I have even seen family squabbles played out. It breaks my heart. Oh, I have been tempted to air things out when I feel I’ve been wronged, hoping my friends would sympathize or post a dig when someone has done something I don’t feel is right. The news (both the right and left sides) seem to enjoy picking “hot topics” and watch us bicker and fight about why it is right or wrong.
So, how do I bite my tongue when I want to respond?
John 13:34-35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
I run what I want to say through this filter. Is what I am about to say going to show Jesus’ love to this individual? If my answer is no, then I cannot post it. I am far from perfect and anyone who knows me, knows I have a big mouth and I have stuck my foot in it more times than I care to count. However, this is something I have been “commanded” to do. I know why I believe what I believe. I have no problem sharing my faith. I stand by my convictions. But will getting in a social media battle and climbing on my soap box bring them any closer to the Savior? That is the question. And the answer is: “Love one another...as I have loved you.”
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