If one wants to set social media on fire these days, all one has to do is make a comment about the current covid vaccines. I know this because I recently took part in such a discussion! As I engaged in the conversation, I realized that the enemy's tactic is truly to 'divide and conquer.'
Recently at Providence we've been going through Paul's letter to the Romans. In chapter 12 we were exhorted, 'Do not be wise in your own opinion,' and 'Repay no one evil for evil.' (Rom. 12:16,17) This morning as part of my Bible reading, I came across an interesting phrase by David, in the 38th Psalm that I believe touches on Paul's words in Romans. In this Psalm, David is obviously isolated from friends and family and his enemies are growing. In verse 19, he says this: 'But my enemies are vigorous, and they are strong; and those who hate me wrongfully have multiplied.' Hmm. 'Those who hate me...wrongfully.' You know, sometimes we can't prevent others from hating us. The Bible says ‘if at all possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.’ (Rom. 12:18) Jesus warned us that there will be those who hate us because of our allegiance to Him. Back in Psalm 38, David was concerned that there were those that hated him wrongfully. Christian, make sure that when people are upset at you, yes, even when some hate you, that it is for the 'right' reason, and not the wrong reason. Make sure it is because you are a godly, Christ-following child of God, not because you have committed evil towards them.
Let me give one example: social media. For those of you on Facebook, Nextdoor, and the like, do you choose your words carefully? Are you spiteful? Yes we are to speak the truth, but we are to speak it in love (Eph. 4:15,25). When we are ugly and spiteful with our speech, we grieve the Holy Spirit who indwells us (Eph. 4:30). Not only that, we bring reproach on the name of Christ and lessen our chances of being used by the Lord to lead others to Him. So be respectful. Be kind. Be truthful. Be loving. Ask questions in stead of accusing others. If you are going to engage others online you've never even met in person, remember that even behind the keyboard, whether poorly or well, you represent your Lord. Make certain that if someone hates you Christian, that they hate you ‘wrongfully.’