West Coast podcaster and writer Melanie Beerda reflects on choosing our words carefully.
I fell into the comment section again – scrolling through words marked with bitterness and pride. The Bible says, “The tongue of the reckless pierces like swords” (Proverbs 12:18a). I think it’s a safe bet that you, dear reader, have also felt the sting of another’s sharp words – whether in a comment section or your own real-life conversations. I know I have.
I used to think it would be impossible to please God, His Church, or those who claimed to live by Scripture. No matter where I went, what I did or who I tried to become, I felt I would always fall short.
I walked away from religion for that very reason – only to discover that wherever humanity was, there was also the relentless expectation of comparison, measurement and critique. I discovered the truth – I still fell short and I would never measure up no matter how desperately I tried. The finish line always moved like a mirage over the barren lands of time.
As I grow older in this digital age, I see that our comment sections are like swarms of locusts. A kind and intentional post can quickly become a target for ridicule, torn apart by those who focus on what wasn’t said, or what they imagine was implied. We live in a world where “you do you” is tossed around in casual conversation, and “be kind” is printed on our t-shirts – yet the same fingers typing those slogans so often spew discord across the nations.
How can we hold onto hope in a world where we are left to feel so hopeless? When we finally reach a moment of success, we are condemned by those who crave that same success. Are we so hard done by that we cannot celebrate others amid our own desire to find happiness? The truth is, we are naturally marked by jealousy and slanderous speech.
The book of Ecclesiastes shines a light on our human position, “What has been, what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun.” The human heart has always wrestled with pride, envy and division. Yet, we live on the other side of the Cross – with a blood-stained invitation. To engage the world with a raw understanding of the sacrifice made. Instead of striving and wounding, we are invited to honour the second half of Proverbs 12:18, “…but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Even though we will face hardship in relationship with others, Christ died so that we could come into eternal relationship with God. In that relationship, he will love us and purify every jagged edge of our souls, bringing us back into right relationship – as polished gems among His treasures.
Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” If we desire words of wisdom that can bring healing, we must be willing to allow God to lead our conversations – especially when we wear the label of Christian.
A few questions to prayerfully consider before you passionately respond in the comment section:
Is it helpful? Or hurtful?
Is it a reaction? Or a response?
What is your intention?
Is it necessary?
Melanie Beerda is a writer, adjunct speaker with Apologetics Canada, and the founder and host of the Rekindled Faith Podcast (MelanieBeerda.ca). Photo by Robin Worrall on Unsplash.