A Plea For Kindness

I have been called many unflattering things on social media, mostly because of my political views. Regardless of whether you are blue, red, or purple, if you spend much time on social media you’ve probably experienced something similar. But what really hurts my heart is when the people doing the name-calling are Christians.

We all need to change that, because I am certain it also hurts God’s heart.

Jesus famously said, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you.”[1] Surely no one wants to be treated harshly on social media, so why do we treat others that way? Jesus also specifically warned us against name-calling, saying

whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be answerable to the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.[2]

How do you think Jesus feels when his followers call other people things that are even worse than “good-for-nothing” or “fool”?

Paul urged us as Christians to be kind to one another.[3] So did the author of 2 Peter.[4] Kindness is one of the fruits of the spirit, as is love.[5]

So this Christmas season let us practice being kind to one another on social media. It doesn’t mean we can’t disagree. But let’s stop the name-calling, the insults, and the demonizing of others. Let’s stop assuming that people who don’t share our views are somehow evil or stupid. We can disagree without being disagreeable.

And while we’re at it, let’s try to extend that kindness to every phase of our lives, not just social media.

Merry Christmas.

[1] Matthew 7:12; see also Luke 6:31

[2] Matthew 5:22

[3] Colossians 3:12

[4] See 2 Peter 1:5-9.

[5] Galatians 5:22-23