HUGE REMINDER - The Social Dilemma

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
Colossians 3:8-11 NKJV

I have a love/hate relationship with social media. I love that I can have instant communication with family and friends who live states and countries away and at a glance, be able to catch up on the latest news. (However, we cannot let that be our only method of maintaining relationships.) 

What I hate about social media is the tendency for it to be more divisive than inclusive, what with the spewing of hateful opinions, the hard line in the sand, the black and white of things, no love, no forgiveness, no mercy.  ...neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free...

I especially hate it when the "Christians" are doing the spewing. I put the word in quotation marks because as Christians, the Bible says we are new creations. We are to have put off the old man of hatred and separatism and are to have become one in Christ.

Here's what the Word says about all of that... Colossians 3:12-15 NLT
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Prayer:

Father,
          Please forgive us for leading the charge into the fray of self-serving opinions instead of into the sanctuary of Your salvation and peace. Help us to walk faithfully in Your love and mercy, in Your kindnesses and forgiveness. Help us to put on love and to let Your peace rule in our hearts and lives. Give us grateful hearts, O God, and Your strength to live holy before You and with one another. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen