Unfriending Negativity

Someone asked me the other day if I had written anything pertaining to the hate crimes of late. She was in need of a little help in dealing with the negative posts on Facebook as well as conversations she didn’t want to be included in.

I completely understand how she feels. Even though there is tons of goodness in the world, it seems the bad news is all that’s focused on within the News Media and, quite often, on Social Media. Water cooler conversations can easily turn ugly when opinions take over where unity needs our focus. Family gatherings can get out of hand when certain topics are discussed.

In essentials unity, in opinions liberty, in all things love

Christian or not, good people usually want to bring more joy into the world rather than evil. It’s easy, however, if we’re not careful, to get sucked into the constant barrage of negativity.

Since we can’t do anything about what’s happening in the world, we need to ask ourselves what we can do to make our little corner of it a better place. More importantly, what would God have us do to make our sphere of influence more positive and joyful? Let us ask Him, even in the midst of someone spewing hatred, how to show grace and love.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone

Romans 12:18

This verse makes it very clear. It is our responsibility to live in peace with others. It is our prerogative to walk away when a conversation turns ugly. If we feel we can’t walk away, it’s okay to nicely say we are uncomfortable with the topic.

Social Media run amok? Maybe we need to hide certain posts from those we are “friends” with on Facebook. We don’t necessarily need to “unfriend” but hiding certain content is totally acceptable. However, if said “friend” is always posting unkind things that make us uncomfortable, “unfriending” or “unfollowing” is probably what God would have us do. Yep, even praying about Social Media posts is a good thing to do.

There’s a song by Anne Murray called A Little Good News. I remember when it came out. It is just as true now as it was then. Watch the video carefully. Although the song and video came out in 1983, much of it looks just like today.

Even though we feel our world is worse than ever, it isn’t quite as much as we think it is. We just have more access to the news of the world than we’ve ever had before. There has always been, and always will be, evil in the world. Evil, sadly, began with the first set of siblings. Cain and Abel. Cain was jealous of his brother and killed him. Good verses evil will always exist. It’s how we respond to it that makes the difference.

For me, it’s how to raise our children and grandchildren that makes this a much more serious concern. They have way more access to negativity and evil because of Social Media. People are more emboldened in what they share and post. Things they would never say to someone face to face becomes easy in a post. So sad.

Teaching little ones, and not so little ones, to be respectful is imperative. Teaching them to show grace in spite of negativity will help them as they grow.

Garbage In, Garbage Out

Grace And Love In, Grace And Love Out

We need to remember this, not only for our children, but for ourselves too. If it isn’t something we want our children to see or hear, maybe we shouldn’t be seeing or listening to it either. Just sayin…

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Do you have any thoughts on this subject? Please share in the comments below. Let’s all help one another deal with the onslaught of negativity. After all, we’re in this mess called life together. Let’s start a trend of unfriending negativity.

Heavenly Father, we come before You for guidance. Please help us show the love of Your Son in spite of the negativity all around us. Please help us to create a peaceful atmosphere in our homes and places of business. We need Your help Lord. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for grace and the joy that comes from knowing You. In the matchless name of our Lord, Savior and Friend amen.

In His embrace,

Toni

6 comments to Unfriending Negativity

  • Marg Knouff  says:

    Simple basics. Perhaps listening to another person’ s opinion or perspective. Ears and mind and hearts open. Mouth firmly shut! Baseline..we are all children of God! So how do I approach another child of God?

    • Toni  says:

      Indeed my friend. We should always be willing to listen with an open mind. I’m a fan of friendly debate as long as each person remembers the “friendly” part.

      God bless you Marg

  • Boutins  says:

    ♡ yes!!

    • Toni  says:

      So glad you find this helpful!

      God bless you Jess!

  • Sheila  says:

    I think God was speaking to our hearts in stereo this week. Negativity breeds Negativity….in the heart, mind and soul. We know what it bred in Cain’s soul! Hate and violence. Good word my dear friend!

    • Toni  says:

      I think this is on the hearts and minds of many these days. My hope and prayer is for revival to spring up all over the United States. Maybe, just maybe, the current state of this great country will be stirred up enough to make it happen.

      God bless you Sheila!

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