I don’t know about you, but I miss the days when you could have a passionate discussion without it evolving into a personal attack or the belittling of one’s beliefs. Which thanks to social media is something I experienced on multiple occasions last week.
For each incident the sequence of events was identical. Occurring within the span of a few minutes.
Initially, it stung. Why are you reacting with hostility? This was written from a heart of love.
The accelerate— anger was then tossed onto the flames of hurt. How dare you attack me! No one talks to me like that!
All that was needed for this fire to roar out of control was for me to have responded negatively. Thankfully, I took a deep breath and asked the Lord what I should do. Ignore or respond?
Thanks to His grace! I responded with love and compassion, not confrontation or condemnation. This wasn’t because of some innate human goodness within me. The Lord allowed me to see these individuals with His heart, not mine. It was His heart that 
squelched the flames of hurt and anger that had so easily flared.
Job well done? Yes and no.
Afterwards as I meditated upon what had happened and my initial response, I knew there was more work to be done. Yes, with the Lord’s help I brought those negative thoughts into captivity and denied my burning desire to lash out at these individuals. But that isn’t good enough! I don’t want to experience those negative emotions period!
I know there will be more encounters like these because the Word tells us that believers “who delight in piety and are determined to live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution. Will be made to suffer because of their religious stand.”
I also know that practice makes perfect. There will be a day when hurt and anger won’t be my initial response to ridicule or persecution because I have chosen to honor the Lord by honoring others— even if it isn’t returned.
Thanks for listening to my voice! Feel free to like and share it with your friends.
Have a great day! Rita
Be the VOICE heard amidst the deafening sound of sameness!
letsloveothers 
Good for you, walking in the opposite spirit.
🙂
Thanks Stacilys! It wheels great to thumb your nose at the devil.
Ahhh…social media…never sure if I like it or not 🙂 this was a great post on taking a moment to pause and listen to the Lord’s voice. It is amazing how He can take a mess and make it a message for His glory! Great job standing strong in the Lord!
Thanks Kirsten! I guess the Lord thought I needed to practice what I preach. Within the span of 3 days I was verbally attacked 4 times. Nevertheless, I believe social media is a wonderful evangelistic tool if used right. Have a wonderful weekend Kirsten!
I agree that God can definitely work through social media. Yikes, That stinks that you were verbally attacked that much. Hope you have a blessed weekend.