{"id":9478,"date":"2019-04-15T06:37:57","date_gmt":"2019-04-15T03:37:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sukofamily.org\/?p=9478"},"modified":"2019-04-09T14:39:23","modified_gmt":"2019-04-09T11:39:23","slug":"12-questions-to-consider-before-writing-a-post-online","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sukofamily.org\/12-questions-to-consider-before-writing-a-post-online\/","title":{"rendered":"12 questions to consider before writing a post online"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019ve probably all done it, written some sort of quick response online and later regretted it. It seems that the lack of eye contact and physical presence in our online communications often results in people writing things that aren\u2019t a shining example of a Christ like attitude. On the other hand it may be that the true condition of our heart is more clearly seen in these online communications as we seem to be less hindered my social pressure of peoples physical presence and more likely to say what we really think rather.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus himselfs reminded us: <\/span>Mat 12:34<\/b>b …for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.<\/span><\/p>\n

I thought it might be helpful to write out a few questions to help myself and others maintain a good testimony even when we are communicating online.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself before you respond to that next post on Facebook or enter that conversation on Viber.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Why am I writing this?<\/span><\/h1>\n

Are you just trying to prove your point, or point out someone else\u2019s error? Are you trying to show people how well versed in Bible knowledge you are? Are you hoping to put someone in their place or make someone feel stupid for something they did or said?<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s helpful to think about purpose in all we do and say. We need to realize that words have great power to help or to hurt. <\/span><\/p>\n

Eph 4:29<\/b> \u00a0Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Do I really need to say this?<\/span><\/h1>\n

Remember, it\u2019s often a better choice to simply not respond. Any fool can quickly respond but it takes real discipline and wisdom to restrain your words and wait for an opportune time when you can actually discuss the matter civilly in person. <\/span><\/p>\n

Consider the following verses:<\/span><\/p>\n

Pro 10:19<\/b> \u00a0When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pro 17:28<\/b> \u00a0Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Am I assuming someone\u2019s motives?<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to read between the lines and assume some else\u2019s motives. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re just saying that because…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou never want to…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou just don\u2019t like him and that\u2019s why you…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn to give the benefit of the doubt and try not go beyond what is actually written. Yes, they may have bad motives but your assumptions will just make matters worse. <\/span><\/p>\n

4. Will I offend someone with my words?<\/span><\/h1>\n

Think about this carefully, it\u2019s no small matter to offend someone. Maybe you\u2019re offended and that\u2019s why you want to respond. If you are offended then responded to an online chat probably isn\u2019t the best thing to do. Why not give them a call on the phone instead or talk to them in person if possible?<\/span><\/p>\n

Pro 18:19<\/b> \u00a0A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Am I being quarrelsome or trying to catch someone in their words?<\/span><\/p>\n

I hate to admit it but it\u2019s pretty easy to jump right into a quarrell without giving it a second thought. Quarrels are never profitable, so don\u2019t start them and if you see one happening try your best not to enter into their foolishness. <\/span><\/p>\n

Pro 15:18<\/b> \u00a0A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pro 18:6<\/b> \u00a0A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Are my words gossip?<\/span><\/h1>\n

How are you talking about others? Are you complaining about them? Are you sharing prayer requests in the form of a drawn out explanation of how \u201cso and so\u201d at church has a terrible marriage? Are you passing on delicious morsels of gossip for your own entertainment and the entertainment of others. Don\u2019t do it! <\/span><\/p>\n

Pro 18:8<\/b> \u00a0The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jas 4:11<\/b> \u00a0Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Would I respond the same way if that person was in the room with me?<\/span><\/h1>\n

We all tend to be a bit more reserved when we are talking in person to someone. Think about how you would respond to the same person if you were talking face to face in a public place. Ask yourself would I feel fine if my responses were read publicly in Church on Sunday morning?<\/span><\/p>\n

Col 4:6<\/b> \u00a0Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Will what I say now make a difference in 1 year or more?<\/span><\/h1>\n

Will there really be long term benefit to what you are writing. If it\u2019s not going to make a difference in a year or more then maybe it isn\u2019t worth writing.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. How will my words help others?<\/span><\/h1>\n

Are my words helping bring others towards truth and life? Are they words that reflect Biblical truth about God, Christ, grace, mercy, and salvation? Will my words help someone know Christ better? Will my words save someone from danger? Will my words give encouragement and hope to someone discouraged or frustrated?<\/span><\/p>\n

Pro 12:18<\/b> \u00a0There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pro 18:21<\/b> \u00a0Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Am I writing what is truthful?<\/span><\/h1>\n

It\u2019s easy to exaggerate what we don\u2019t like, or play down negative aspects that we\u2019d rather not let people know about. Think about your statements before you publish them. Are they accurate, are they truthful, could they be taken wrongly?<\/span><\/p>\n

Pro 12:19<\/b> \u00a0Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eph 4:15<\/b> \u00a0Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,<\/span><\/p>\n

11. Am I writing in the heat of the moment?<\/span><\/h1>\n

Are you angry, bitter, upset, frustrated? Then you probably shouldn\u2019t be writing right now. Instead move way from the computer, put down the phone and give yourself time to cool off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pro 17:27<\/b> \u00a0Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jas 1:26<\/b> \u00a0If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.<\/span><\/p>\n

12. Is my writing respectful and honoring to others in the Body of Christ?<\/span><\/h1>\n

Our online conversations should reflect the love, respect, and mutual submission we are called to have in the Body of Christ.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eph 4:31<\/b> \u00a0Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eph 4:32<\/b> \u00a0Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eph 5:4<\/b> \u00a0Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eph 5:19<\/b> \u00a0addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,<\/span><\/p>\n

Eph 5:20<\/b> \u00a0giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,<\/span><\/p>\n

Eph 5:21<\/b> \u00a0submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We\u2019ve probably all done it, written some sort of quick response online and later regretted it. It seems that the lack of eye contact and physical presence in our online communications often results in people writing things that aren\u2019t a shining example of a Christ like attitude.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11886,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9478","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-writing"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/sukofamily.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/freestocks-org-662168-unsplash.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p3izZc-2sS","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3463,"url":"https:\/\/sukofamily.org\/repentance-and-the-god-of-tolerism\/","url_meta":{"origin":9478,"position":0},"title":"Repentance and the God of Tolerism","author":"Caleb Suko","date":"December 7, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Repentance is not a politically correct word but tolerism is. 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