As I cruise the social media platform, Facebook, I see so much negativity. Remember when we were younger and we were taught “The Golden Rule”?
There seems to be a virus of forgetfulness that has spread faster than this coronavirus, and it has been circulating for quite a while now. It just won’t go away. We need a booster shot to remember to be courteous and considerate. The Bible has much to say about considering others.
It is important to remember that we all come to the table after walking down different roads. Our journeys have been different and we see things differently. Each of us has thoughts and feelings about things that may and often do differ from each other. Do you want other people to hear you–to hear your thoughts, opinions, and feelings about things? Yes, you know you do. We all want to be heard. We also do not relish the thought of others trashing what we have to say. So, why do we feel tempted to trash talk other people? I think that the answer lies in the original sin of pride.
We need to lay our pride down and consider others. You might think that what they are saying is stupid, but you don’t have to say it. Hello! If you must say something (the compulsion to say something is strong), then gently share your opinion or thoughts on the matter. The key is to do it gently.
An example of sharing gently would be like if someone posted that they aren’t going to wear a mask out in public unless they are feeling sick. Perhaps you believe the science that says that wearing a mask reduces the risk of spreading this highly contagious virus (reduces, not stops it completely). You could tell them that you choose to wear it because you feel that doing so is a way of loving your neighbor because you could be an asymptomatic carrier and your neighbor could be an immunosuppressed person–who could get sick easily. By saying this you have shared a biblical principle and shared how you are applying that principle in this situation. Enough said. Seriously, nothing else needs to be said. No debating. No bashing or shaming. Both people have stated what they intend on doing or are doing. Why make it complicated?
You may be surprised to find out that I have a tendency to believe strongly about things for myself. Strong enough that I might even be very nontraditional in the eyes of some. For example, I homeschooled my children. I was adamant that they be homeschooled. It was my conviction. It was also my conviction to be home with them and not work outside of the home. In our society that is not the traditional home life. It might have been the traditional home life historically, but today it is viewed often as archaic.
On my blog/vlog, or Facebook page, I will often share my thoughts on the importance of staying at home with your children or homeschooling. When I do share these thoughts that doesn’t mean that I am judging those who do not do it or that I think that they are wrong. My niece is a working mom. She is a good mother. Staying at home with her daughter gives her tremendous anxiety and she ends up with migraines. It is not for her. I understand that and I respect her. I know that she respects me and what I have done as well.
The Golden Rule booster shot is available. This forgetfulness virus of pride can be eradicated. Rant over. The weekend is coming soon. May is around the corner. Smile. Love. Laugh. Encourage someone. Have an attitude of gratitude. And, don’t forget to spend some time with Jesus everyday; He died to spend more time with you.
By His Grace,
Momma Birdy
Momma Birdy
Momma Birdy is the loving, loyal, and faithful wife to Guy Baker for over 25 years. She is a domestic engineer, retired homeschool mom, and an avid student of the Bible. She began blogging at her daughter's request to share her thoughts with the world.
During the age of social media and especially now that many are having to “social distance” from each other, we need to remember the Golden Rule. Sometimes, I believe that as we are typing comments into our devices we forget that their are real people on the receiving end. We don’t have to agree, but we should treat everyone with respect and love. We can always agree to disagree!
You are absolutely correct. We can agree to disagree.
[Rom 14:19 ESV] 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
Sometimes on the devices, we put our own inflections on their words. We don’t know how they meant it or what tone they were using. We take offense when none was meant.
Yes, that is true. I know that I have to be careful when using email and messaging applications. I always try to review my content to make my message accurately reflects my intended point of view in a loving way.