Counsel #26 — Faith Above Feuds

Picture: Counsel #26 — Faith Above FeudsCLi 36.1

While social media may appear harmless, its underlying design often aims to stir emotions—anger being a major one. Many users engage online not to understand, but to prove a point or “win” an argument. This desire to assert superiority in looks, intelligence, or wealth can lead people to be constantly defensive, narrowing their perspective and convincing them they are always right.CLi 36.2

Issues like cyberbullying, miscommunication, and sharing personal information frequently push people to act out of character, resulting in confrontational behavior.^{[33]https://adventistreview.org/magazine-article/how-to-keep-from-being-angry/} The good news is that, as believers, we don’t have to follow this path. As followers of Christ, we are called to exercise restraint, being slow to anger and quick to listen. Sometimes, silence is the wisest response, avoiding needless conflicts and setting ourselves apart for a higher purpose: to represent God with confidence and grace in all we do online.CLi 36.3

“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” Proverbs 15:18 NIVCLi 36.4

“When you feel an angry spirit arising, take firm hold of Jesus Christ by faith. Utter no word. Danger lies in the utterance of a single word when you are angry, for a volley of passionate utterances will follow...The man who gives way to folly in speaking passionate words, bears false witness; for he is never just.” Ellen White in Our High Calling, p. 235CLi 36.5

Reflect: When someone makes you angry online, how do you respond?CLi 36.6