If it weren’t so sad, it would be amusing. I’m referring to the countless social media discussions that end up with people insulting each other, the deletion of comment threads, and even the blocking of those making comments. It usually starts out with someone posting an article or a comment they think is interesting or even a self-evident truth. But then someone offers up a comment voicing an opposing view and it usually goes downhill from there. Others join the fray in support of the original poster and the back and forth becomes more heated and the language harsher. Feelings are hurt and, sometimes, relationships are strained to the breaking point.
I have witnessed it many times and the results have become almost as predictable as the seasons. Yet, many seemingly can’t resist. And I am just referring to those I know who are Christians.
Jesus made it very clear that our best witness to the world on His behalf was our demonstration of love for one another (John 13:34-35). Now I do not believe He is implying we are never to hold brothers and sisters accountable nor refrain from speaking truth to them. Jesus and His disciples did this many times, but love was always the basis for it rather than pride or self-aggrandizement. And it seems that with social media it is easy to stray into the latter. Through it we are given an easy means to express our opinions without any face-to-face contact or any built-in buffers such as putting our thoughts to pen and paper, re-reading them, putting them into an envelope, walking it to the mailbox or post office—all affording us time to re-consider. Rather in seconds, with a click, we can voice our opinion to a particular person or to the public. And it feels good. I know. I have done it a couple of times and ended up regretting it. But what feels good and what is right are two very different things.
One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is self-control, but it seems we are often prone to quench the Spirit in this area. We say what we want at the peril of our unity and witness. So these three proverbs are particularly pertinent to the social media conundrum. First, gentleness in our language and tone is always preferable because it helps to keep things civil and calm. Secondly, as James notes, we should be quick to listen and slow to speak because our tongues are not so easily controlled. Thirdly, we do not post or comment in secret. The Lord sees everything we do. That in and of itself should give us pause before we click the Send button.
My personal leanings are to move away from social media as a means of discussion on important issues and toward face-to-face discussions. I’m weary of the harshness that seems endemic to it, and am very concerned for negative witness it conveys in light of Jesus’ command. But this is just my opinion. What is not opinion is the command to love one another, to exert self-control in our dealings with one another, and to speak gently, not harshly, to one another.
Today, consider how you treat your brothers and sisters in the Lord, whether via social media or face-to-face. Is it in line with the teachings of the Scriptures? If not, then it is time to change your approach, not only for your sake, but also for the sake of your Lord.
© Jim Musser 2017
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