By Ryan Kelly –

I know you’ve done it. At some point recently, you read a post on social media and viewed the comments, only to discover a multitude of angry posts and off-the-wall opinions. Don’t feel bad, we all do it and it affects almost all of us the same way. It makes us sad, mad, and creates a vengeance wanting to fight back. Am I right?

I am convinced that the comment section of social media is like a pool of honey for a swarm of bees…people who want to sting others just can’t resist. It is the one single place where we can see the true heart of many people and the worst of most. It’s a bad place.

So this begs the question – why? I think there are probably several reasons why this is such a bad place. First, it is often anonymous and it allows a semi-non direct way for people to release built up anger. Second, it’s easy. You don’t have to search for controversy or a way to share your opinion, rather you can take your time, see your text, and not have an immediate response to sway the blow that you are about to throw. Third, it’s a snowball. Most do not go into the comments section looking for a fight, but once people read the comments they begin thinking that the fight is upon them and feel compelled to fight back.

rust me, I have fallen into all three of these buckets, so I know!

So what do you do? I recommend that if you cannot resist the comments section, get off of social media. For the most part, this is what I have done. I have no social media on my phone, and I only check what few sources I have once per week for mostly work purposes. I cut it out because it was infecting me. I recommend that you do the same.

Above all, I urge you to speak words of encouragement only. If you can’t be positive, say nothing. If that means that you have nothing to say, then be grateful that you have more of your day given back to you!

There are so many verses that are appropriate for controlling our tongue (or in this case fingers) and controlling our anger. Here are a few good ones.

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20

“A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention”. Proverbs 15:18

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” Romans 12:19

“If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.” Proverbs 29:9