What We Say On Facebook Matters

People often get very brave on social media. Since they aren't standing toe-to-toe with those with whom they are speaking, they feel much more compelled to share the bolder portions of their minds. And who am I kidding? That includes me too!

As a lover of words, I enjoy typing out how I feel and what I think. I love the idea that I can make a difference and speak boldly for the truth. And that is the beautiful thing about blogs and social media: I can make a positive difference.

But there is also such a thing as our words mattering in a very bad way. We always think of "what we say matters" in a way that makes us feel significant, but what about when what we say is hurtful to others, selfish or prideful? What happens when our words misconstrue someone's thoughts or ideas and or belittle them?

Responsible

You see, if we as Christians say something rude or ungodly, we are held accountable for that. When we reach the day of judgement, we will not only be held accountable for lying, stealing, and the like, but we will also be accountable for every childish, impure, and self-possessed comment we make on Facebook. God see's every prideful remark and every unjustified argument. No, God is looking to smite us for every instance we do this, but we will be held accountable. Social media is not a free pass to sin, to be a jerk, or to act like a child- though many treat it as such.

When we hop on the internet, though we are hiding behind a screen, we are still representatives for Christ. Our words hold weight and meaning, and we make a difference- whether for good or for bad. And whether you are a Christian or not, it is so very true that your words hold weight and matter very deeply. As a Christian, it matters to me because of my love for Christ, but whether you love Christ, hate him, or feel indifferent, the issue of what we say mattering is equally real for all of us. We all hold the power to lift someone up in encouragement, or tear them down in harshness.

Building Up Instead

I have really made some terrible mistakes over the years using either social media or even texting. I have felt brave and spoken out in anger, which resulted in hurting or offending another person. It doesn't matter what platform we use- we are still just as responsible and it still matters deeply.

Ephesians 4:29-30 says this, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

You see, when we speak inappropriately, we are grieving the Holy Spirit of God because we were made for good and pure and admirable things. We were not made to bring negativity, hurt, and sorrow into the world. And with such a vast array of ways to speak inappropriately, we must constantly guard ourselves. Some people feel that this type of living would make them a punching bag, but that isn't how it works. 

It is ok to speak tough truths. It's ok to stand up for ourselves. It is ok to speak our mind. But in most cases, we need only do these things in love, kindness, and gentleness. We have to stop this idea that we have to be as loud, as brash, and as bold as we can. Truth doesn't need to be screamed- it only needs to be spoken. Tough love doesn't need to be an attack- but rather a kind word spoken calmly.

Don't be afraid to speak your mind, but be very aware of the way in which you are doing so. Will this help or hurt the cause of Christ? Will this strengthen our friendships or deteriorate them? Will this build up or tear down? Those are the questions we need to ask ourselves before sounding the loud trumpet of our opinions on social media.

What do you think? Have you ever been slapped in the face by your own social media presence? What would you change for next time?