Please Stop!
Why is it that there is so much hate these days? Is it just me or are most of the negative talks taking shape on our social media platforms? How do we handle it and how do we make a difference in it for the better?
If you’re like me and you get annoyed and frustrated about all the negative these days, you may just want to stand on top of the closest mountain with a megaphone and yell, “PLEASE STOP!” I suppose we could do this, but I don’t know if yelling will do much good. I think we should live lives that spread kindness. In doing so, I believe we can change the world.
I may be unpopular when I say this, but social media doesn’t need to be the place where we share everything.
As a Christian, nothing hurts my heart more than seeing fellow believers going at it on social media. Drawing attention, emojis, likes, and dislikes. Saying things that probably shouldn’t be said.
I’m all for advocating for what you believe in, but when it’s said in a way that destroys someone else, it’s not cool. Nor is it worth it.
We all have opinions. We all have days when we believe that our way is the only way. I’ll be the first to tell you that there are days when I don’t agree with those around me. I know I have fallen short at times when it comes to treating others with kindness. But I’ve been convicted because I’ve been hurt by words. Whether typed in a comment, sent in an email, or spoken in a conversation; words hurt.
I don’t know anyone right now who couldn’t use more kindness. Think about what you post, what you share, or what you comment on before you do it. Choose not to belittle someone and instead choose to build them up.
I realize firsthand how hurtful someone’s words can be so when I say, “I’m so sorry” please know that I mean it. I’ve seen good people and good families become divided because of certain topics and words. Whether it’s politics, church, or the latest COVID pandemic - it’s too much. Social media shouldn’t be the place to blast your neighbors because they voted for a certain political party. Your Twitter feed shouldn’t make your family feel less than you because they have made a decision to vaccinate their children or not. Instagram shouldn’t be the place to down your workplace, whether things are going well or not. COVID is real vs. COVID is not. Jesus is coming back this particular day vs. Do all of these things to get into Heaven. You’re familiar with some of these, aren’t you?
In her book, Loving Well in a Broken World, Lauren Casper shares this.
“The self-righteous idea that we’ve somehow set up our lives in ways that protect us from certain kinds of crises, implying that those who are experiencing said crises have not, is what keeps many of us from entering into the painful places in another person’s life, grabbing their hands with zero judgment, and offering nothing but love, grace, and presence. It’s what keeps us from realizing, as chaos unfolds for another, It could be me, and I have no idea why it isn’t this time. Finding ourselves neck-deep in crisis might be the very thing it takes to remind us that we’re all just a breath away from tragedy.”
It stings, doesn’t it? I have read it back multiple times and it becomes more real each time. It hits home.
May we become people who choose to spread love and not hate. Those who speak words of love and words that will build up rather than tear down. We all have the opportunity to be a positive influence on those around us. We may not even be aware of those who are watching how we live, or the young children in our lives who are listening to every word we say. How will we choose to embrace and speak about these tumultuous days? Let’s like and love and be slow to speak hurtful words. The world needs it. We may never know just what someone is walking through until we find ourselves there.
Romans 12:9-21 NIV -
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
