Don’t Feed the Trolls
"Make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace."
Colossians 4:5–6
Colossians 4:5–6
Ever
heard the expression, “Don’t feed the trolls”? “Trolls” refers to a new
problem in today’s digital world—online users who repeatedly post
intentionally inflammatory and hurtful comments on news or social media
discussion boards. But ignoring such comments—not “feeding” the
trolls—makes it harder for them to derail a conversation.
Of course, it’s nothing new to encounter people who aren’t genuinely interested in productive conversation. “Don’t feed the trolls” could almost be a modern equivalent of Proverbs 26:4, which warns that arguing with an arrogant, unreceptive person risks stooping to their level.
And yet . . . even the most seemingly stubborn person is also a priceless image-bearer of God. If we’re quick to dismiss others, we may be the ones in danger of being arrogant and becoming unreceptive to God’s grace (see Matthew 5:22).
That might, in part, explain why Proverbs 26:5 offers the exact opposite guideline. Because it takes humble, prayerful dependence on God to discern how best to show others love in each situation (see Colossians 4:5–6). Sometimes we speak up; other times, it’s best to be silent.
May we find peace in knowing that the same God who drew us near while we were still in hardened opposition to Him (Romans 5:6) is powerfully at work in each person’s heart.
Of course, it’s nothing new to encounter people who aren’t genuinely interested in productive conversation. “Don’t feed the trolls” could almost be a modern equivalent of Proverbs 26:4, which warns that arguing with an arrogant, unreceptive person risks stooping to their level.
And yet . . . even the most seemingly stubborn person is also a priceless image-bearer of God. If we’re quick to dismiss others, we may be the ones in danger of being arrogant and becoming unreceptive to God’s grace (see Matthew 5:22).
That might, in part, explain why Proverbs 26:5 offers the exact opposite guideline. Because it takes humble, prayerful dependence on God to discern how best to show others love in each situation (see Colossians 4:5–6). Sometimes we speak up; other times, it’s best to be silent.
May we find peace in knowing that the same God who drew us near while we were still in hardened opposition to Him (Romans 5:6) is powerfully at work in each person’s heart.
Reflect & Pray
How have you witnessed very different approaches being used by God to touch others?
How can you better speak the truth in love?
How can you better speak the truth in love?
"Loving God, help me share Your love with others around me."
Oh I've seen incredible ways that God has used me to touch someone's life. He has put a friend of mine in my life that doesn't know you, and I had the divine opportunity to share about the Lord and his presence in my life. She was able to see that and see How present God is in my life, and she asked questions and wanted to know more. It's been such a gift to see that unfold. It's always hard to speak truth in love, sometimes we need to remember that the person we are talking too may need to hear it a certain way and we need to always be loving and of course share in truth at all times.
ReplyDeleteGod moves us in His own ways! Once I struggled with a friend, who would criticize me and my faith. He was sad and alone and convinced that there was no meaning in life. I had an open conversation with him and "lost" the argument as far as he was concerned. I was distraught and told my brother about the effort.
ReplyDeleteDennis paused and thought a moment before telling me not to worry, as long as I continued to live my life through faith, even in silence, I would still be portraying God's love. Living in the spirit and acting as God's child and representative on Earth was enough in this case. And that is why I take comfort even in the moments when I can't answer the deeper questions, or falter against the cynicism of those who do not believe. God is at work even in the silence.
Oof. This is such a difficult balance: stay silent, or speak up? My prayer is always that I might live Christ's Love on the outside, so that regardless of what I think in my head, or choose to say/not say out loud, I might be an example of His Love.
ReplyDeleteI recently had an awkward conversation with a fellow musician. I had asked a question and they responded with I should already know the answer, because I should have a certain copy of the music (which I didn't). I was taken aback, felt like I had been treated quite rudely and immediately shut down. I was embarrassed afterwards that I had not handled it with more grace, I had knee jerked responded with the same attitude I had received. Hopefully, next time that happens I won't respond with like manner, but with more patience and understanding.
ReplyDelete