"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
I've been incredibly grieved recently.
Over the past few months, I've read things on Facebook that I wish I could have deleted myself-off of other peoples pages.
Why? Because it wasn't "patient, kind, honoring, rejoicing in the truth, protecting, trusting, hoping." In fact, it was the complete opposite. It was judgmental, hurtful, dishonoring, proud. It was keeping "records" of wrong, and then announcing it to the world.
It hurt my heart so deeply, because every single word was hurtful, and even if there was truth in it, it didn't belong on a public forum. Period.
"If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you."
Matthew 18:15
Another good part of the Bible to read is 1 Corinthians 6:1-11. That part talks about taking your brother to court, to be judged by the "unbelievers". The danger of Facebook and posting whatever against a brother or church, is that it hurts the church, the individual brothers and sisters and the witness of a Christian to the world. A non-believer than sees that accusation and says, "see, those hypocrites!"
Yes, we are flawed! Yes, we make mistakes! Yes, we sin! But we are FORGIVEN and we need to FORGIVE!
Listen, I'm not saying it's right to just ignore the pain, or the hurt. Absolutely not! We are called to go to our brothers, and work it out! (Matthew 18:15-17)
I'm also in no place to judge the situation. It's just incredibly hurtful to me, and hard to see people I love being accused of things publicly. The very people being accused, I know personally, every single one of them, and they are God loving, honoring people. Like I said, I wish I could remove the posts, the public disgrace, the hurt and pain that it causes. Because the Godly way to deal with the situation is not on a Facebook post.
Listen, whenever there is negative talk about your brothers or sisters publicly or privately, it's damaging. Life and death is in the power of the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21)
As Christians, we are called to serve. We are called to pick up our cross and carry it.
Might we also mention that the very brothers, sisters, church or organization that is "wrong", or has done something wrong, in any way shape or form, are all Children of God?
They all have feelings, emotions, pains, shortcomings and the likes (as all of us do remember?). They are human-and when ever there are disagreements we must remember, it's not against flesh and blood that you are dealing-it's against the kingdom of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). The enemy wants nothing more than to split a kingdom, because a kingdom divided cannot stand. (Mark 3:24). Most times, the disagreement is all a big huge misunderstanding on both sides!
Or what about an accusation of sin? Are we not suppose to come alongside our brother and be there to help them through it? As Christians, we are suppose to be the most loving, forgiving people on the planet! And if we would only practice love, and hope the best, and trust when the person says, "that's not what I meant by that", that it's the honest truth. Or how about not believe the sin someone is being accused of instead of jumping the gun and believing the worst? This world would be a better place if we actually did this.
Please, I BEG you brothers and sisters! Before you shout to the world how "unloving" or "ungodly" another Christian is, or how badly you've been treated, or how they are not following Jesus-judge a tree by it's fruit. Do you see people coming to Jesus because of that ministry/person? Do you remember that each and every single person has emotions and feelings? Keep in mind, the passive aggressive remarks on Facebook are not only hurtful, but harmful to the kingdom of God! No matter if it's true or not!
We are called to LOVE at all times, and to treat others as we would want to be treated! I don't think anyone likes to be talked about in a negative light. Maybe that's what the scriptures meant when it says "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Philippians 4:8. Let those things come out of our mouth! Let those things be posted on Facebook!
I'm not saying whatever hurt you've experienced, or whatever thing you think someone did isn't true. We all have a right to our opinion and emotions, however, deal with it in the proper manner! If the accusation is true, love them anyway! Did you see how Jesus dealt with the woman found committing adultery? She did it! But He loved her anyway-He forgave her anyway! We are called to be followers of Christ, so love them anyway! Forgive them anyway!
What I am saying here? Facebook is NOT an avenue to discuss the "shortcomings" the "hurtful behavior" or the right to judge a church/ministry or person. PERIOD. It is not the Biblical way to act. PERIOD. The Bibical way? Again- Matthew 18:15-17
This world has enough dirty laundry of it's own, and if the lost can't see that we are able to live peacefully with everyone (Romans 12:18) as much as possible-well then, the battle is lost, and the enemy has won.
So friends, before you blast another post on Facebook about how horrible the church or another Christian is, or you judge "God's anointed" in leadership, maybe a good thing to do would be to pray, and ask the Lord to see if there is any offensive way in you, before we air "someone else's dirty laundry".(Psalm 139:24) And maybe try going to your brother, and working it out the 3 times as the scriptures suggest. Don't be impulsive, be intentional about everything you do! Because the scripture says "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken." Matthew 12:36
After all, Jesus Himself said, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35
Let's love one another. Let's love God, and love people and show the world we are different!
Let's be like Jesus!
~Larena Ann
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