Political discourse on social media can be brutal. Are there some principles we should follow to ensure we aren’t making a bad situation worse?
We’ve all seen the ugly tweets, posts, and memes that seem to shed more heat than light on a political issue…..not to mention the cruel personal attacks.
Crosswalk.com sees the trend and is suggesting several questions you should ask yourself before posting about politics on social media:
- First, Do I have the correct facts? While King Solomon couldn’t foresee the advent of social media, he knew the human heart when he wrote, “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.”
- Read articles from several sources and look for opposing views.
- Another question is – Does this need to be said? Ephesians 4:29 tells us “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.”
- What you have to say may be correct, but it may not need to be said.
- Then ask yourself: Am I saying this in a way that represents Christ?
- The bible tells us, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
- People who have experienced grace should speak in a way that exhibits grace.
- Before you post something, read it three or four times. Take a screenshot of it and send it to a friend. Is it kind? Is it accurate? Is it designed for the good of others? Will it negatively impact how other people think of Jesus?