When I was a teenager, I knew bullies. I had to ignore words that others spoke making fun of me or putting me down, but I could always face my bully. I always knew who it was and what he/she was saying. Somehow this seemed to put everything in perspective.
Not so today. With the surge of social media, things can be written to hurt someone in so many ways. Many times the individual has no way of actually knowing who is saying it. Often it is passed on through a fake name or through someone else’s webpage. Each time someone “shares” or “likes” or “comments” it is once again front and center.
It is always important to stand tall and ignore the slander, but not so easy to do.
Whether you are the recipient of cyber bullying or you are tempted to be the bully, this verse applied rings true.
“Before you speak [write], you should carefully choose your words and think about the impact they will have on the one who listens [reads]. You should speak [write] “…only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen [read],” Ephesians 4:29.
Don’t become careless with words that you speak or write. They cannot be easily erased. They hang around forever.
You can make a difference in someone’s life each day. By using positive words in speech or in writing [social media], you can help someone become a confident, loving individual.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…..” 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
Have a blessed day!
In Christian love,
Diane