 Unsocial Media
I know that social media is known for being a place where people seem to be willing to enter into heated debates. However, it seems that there has been more of it lately. You may think that I am referring to political strife around the upcoming election this fall. There is certainly plenty of bitter squabbling about those things. Especially, with the ongoing saga surrounding both Donald Trump’s legal battles and Joe Biden’s diminished mental capacity. But, I am actually talking about sharp discourse taking place between professing believers. My point in this post is not to argue that we shouldn’t hold strong views concerning what we are convinced the Bible teaches. I believe that we should be ready to live and die by what we believe the Bible teaches. I am, however, concerned about the way these discussions are taking place. There often seems to be a lack of respect or even consideration of the reasons why people disagree. These discussions need to happen but they could be taking place in better ways, and this is what I would like to discuss in this post. Tone It Down Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The wisdom conveyed to us in this verse is concerning the effect of our tone on the reaction of our interlocutors. Part of the problem in our day is that many have decided that the one who gets angry first loses. So, the goal is to ignite the anger of the other person. However, if we are genuinely interested in advancing the truth and winning the other person to our view, not simply winning the argument, then we should care about answering them biblically. Now we must understand that answering them biblically does not just mean that the content of our answer must be biblical. It also means that the delivery of our answer must be biblical. Many people today consider themselves biblical if their answer can be proof-tested with Scriptural citations or cross referenced to their favorite doctrinal creed or confession. All the while, they are using the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) not to surgically convict the person in error, but rather as a weapon to mangle and maim their opponent. If we are to be truly biblical, then we certainly will stand boldly on the truths contained in Scripture, but with an attitude and disposition of love for the people with whom we have these sharp disagreements (Ephesians 4:15). Remember the Lord Jesus said that we would be known as His disciples because of our love for one another (John 13:35). Jesus also told us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). Isn’t it true that when we show genuine love and respect, even for unbelievers with whom we sharply disagree, that this is a great testimony to the radical and counter cultural nature of the kingdom of God. But when we fight with the same tactics and tools that the political pundits use to rip one another apart, we all lose (Galatians 5:13-15). Practical Suggestions I would like to close this article with a list of practical suggestions that could help us to engage in these spaces in better, more faithful ways.
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