Social Media Word Wars



Politicians are prime targets for verbal attacks. It’s kind of like the old-fashioned pelting with ripe tomatoes. But thanks to social media, politicians aren’t the only ones getting splattered with those tomato-like verbal attacks. Just post a strong opinion and get ready to duck.

Whatever the hot-button issue—the economy, immigration, climate change, taxing the rich, or helping the poor—if you share your opinions get ready for some zingers. 




Want to really get hammered? Be as rude as Rush Limbaugh or as brash as Bill Maher. Talk about gays being ostracized or Christians who can’t seem to share God’s truth with enough grace. Grandma was right about avoiding a fight—don't talk about religion or politics.




Blogging makes it easy to post opinions, but it’s a battlefield for tomato tossers. An invisible online shield allows caustic remarks to be posted that you wouldn’t dare say in person. Sometimes my desire for the last word gets me riled. And I confess, when I get riled, my aim is pretty good at tossing tomatoes right back.

But Jesus warned about tomato fights. He said: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged (Matthew 7:1-2). If that isn’t enough to curb my tongue (or keyboard) this should: “But you will have to give an account for every careless word you’ve spoken.” (Matthew 12:36)  Uh oh.




Just this week someone sent me Luke 6:45 “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Yes, I needed that reminder. 

Word wars never end well. It’s okay to disagree; it’s not okay to be mean. Sometimes it’s best to let my silence speak for me—I don’t need to have the last word. 

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