What if we went easy on one another? 

What if the new Public Square (the internet) was a place of honest, yet respectful debate? Not the nasty and dangerous place it is today.

I’m not saying the World Wide Web is all wicked. Of course not. I find my connections mostly lovely on social media. There are oodles of interesting, respectful and thought-provoking reads. There are inspiring quotes and animal videos at every turn.

I adore a good debate on issues of importance. What I don’t adore is meanness.

How do we turn the tide? How can a guy articulate a conviction without a rash of bullies beating him up with their keyboards? How does a mom express her view without being torn down by another mom who sees it differently? When did it become a crime to disagree in America?

It is heartbreaking. The attacks come quickly. Then escalate. Words piercing through the jugular into the heart. The internet, like the “real world”, is a society of wounded humans, prideful and insecure.

Hurt People Hurt People. A cliché for sure, but true. Jesus knew this about us (wounded souls wounding others) and warned His disciples in Luke 16:37-38:

“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” (The Message)

We -the hurting- need the touch of Jesus. We-the wounded- need His grace in the damaged places.

By His wounds, we are healed.Continue Reading