In our culture today, outrage has become more expected than surprising. Unfortunately, it is more the norm. Outrage is displayed daily in the news. Social media can be a feeding frenzy of outrage over having a different opinion than someone else. Why is it that when a podcaster is attacking others, they have so many followers? Because outrage sells. We see it everywhere. And if we are not careful, we too can get pulled into this mindset and mimic that kind of behavior. Hate, rage, slander, gossip, and violence hurt all who are involved — not just the one who is targeted, but also the one who is filled with it. Because it makes it difficult for them to see things clearly.
But as Christians, we can guard against this affecting us and set the example for others. We must guard our hearts.
Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
How do we do that? We are careful about what we take in. Like I’ve been saying, outrage sells, and the news is designed to provoke just that — especially politically! We need to be careful what we tap into on social media, focus on the positive stories, and look to Scripture to see what it says about how we should handle situations.
Proverbs 15:1 says it so well: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Ephesians 4:31–32: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind and tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.” As we walk with Jesus, we will experience this in our lives.
Matthew 11:29 — Jesus said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
As we stay in step with Jesus, we learn from Him and, too, can give a gentle answer.
A mom I’m close to in church related a story to me about her daughter. Her daughter is 9 and such a beautiful little girl. Well, sometimes — especially when someone is really pretty — they can get bullied. And that is what was happening to her child. This girl, who was raised in church and also has a mom who teaches her the Bible and Scriptures to live by, was affected in her response during this time of being bullied.
She said in a very even tone, “Do you know what Jesus said? He said we should be kind to one another and that we should treat others the way we would like to be treated. Would you like to be treated the way you are treating me?”
I love it! At a young age, she learned to give a gentle answer, and her heart was protected.
I encourage you to make this a priority in your life as you stay in step with Jesus.
Matthew 11:29 — Jesus said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
And may your life be a reflection of Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”