by Angela Moreno

Some days I don’t know whether Facebook is a good thing or a bad thing. I enjoy keeping in touch with old friends, seeing what’s going on in the lives of my current friends, and reading inspirational posts that randomly appear on my news feed.

As much as I enjoy these things, I hate the Facebook drama I see almost on a daily basis. Friends attacking friends for their beliefs and downright nastiness. Every one is so brave sitting behind the monitor of the computer typing on their keyboards. I used to think the majority of people who start this war of words would never say these things to someone’s face if they were standing right in front of them, but I’m not so sure about that any more.  This pandemic has shown me a different perspective of our world, and it’s a perspective that I don’t like and you shouldn’t like either.  I’m positive Jesus doesn’t like what He is seeing either.

I want to remind God’s children of the words of Jesus.  He expects us to be light and salt in this world (Matthew 5:13-16).  We are to be imitators of Christ and not of this world (1 John 2:6).  How are we imitating Christ by calling believers and unbelievers “idiots” or “morons” or worse on Facebook?  I have seen CHRISTIANS debating their cause on Facebook using horrible language and treating people horribly, even fellow Christians.

Is this how Jesus wants you to behave?  Is this how Jesus approached people?  Did He resort to name-calling and ridiculing people just to prove His point was right?

Read the following verses about the harvest of righteousness and those who make peace:

And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:18

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:6

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:13

We are to always walk in love and peace with those around us.  Sometimes those around us may need a gentle reminder that they aren’t doing what they should or are believing something they shouldn’t.  But we are NEVER to berate anyone and make them look or feel stupid.  We are to speak to each other in love at all times, even those who may not believe as we do.

Jesus tells us our actions and our words will reap a harvest in due time.  When Jesus speaks of reaping a harvest, who do you think the harvest is?  The harvest is unbelievers and people who do not follow Him.  Will your words and actions lead people to Jesus or away from Jesus?  Will you reap a harvest for Him or are you reaping a harvest for Satan?

In Colossians 3:12-15, Paul gave us specific instructions for dealing with ALL people, believers or nonbelievers:

Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

We are called to build each other up, not to tear each other down. Ultimately believing and accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life is what puts you in right standing with God. God isn’t impressed that you tore someone down trying to prove your interpretation of the Bible is correct or that you told an unbeliever they are going straight to Hell.

We are to treat everyone with the love and kindness that Jesus would treat them with. We are instructed to not “use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” Ephesians 4:29. This verse doesn’t have exceptions. We are to live this way in EVERY aspect of our lives.

Next time you find yourself in jumping into a Facebook war of words, I want you to stop and think before you hit send.  Ask yourself these questions:

1. Does my message sound like I am a follower of Jesus?
2. Will this message lead someone to Jesus or away from Jesus?
3. Is my message spoken in love or am I trying to prove that I am right?
4. If Jesus were standing right beside me reading my message, would I be proud of it?
5. Would Jesus be proud of you for your message?

Sometimes taking an extra moment to get out of our emotions and into the Holy Spirit can make a huge difference.  It can make the difference of leading someone to Christ or pushing them away.

Build each other up with words of kindness and love; don’t tear each other down.