The internet is a fascinating platform with many voices, a lot of freedom, and very few rules. So it’s so easy to face negativity on it… But we’re here (on the Internet and in the world in general) to speak life!
Мы здесь (как в интернете, так и в мире), чтобы нести свет!
Usually, I try to be generous with kid words. If I see something good in a person or appreciate something that they’re doing if I like something or am impressed by something I often text them about it. Even if we’re not too close or don’t even know each other. This doesn’t cost me anything but for someone, it might be like a breath of fresh air. It also works outside of the Internet, so don’t be afraid to give compliments!
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”
Proverbs 12:25 ESV
“To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!”
Proverbs 15:23 ESV
What about negative comments though? In this case, this is exactly the opposite. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say that at all”. Who are we to judge? We never know the whole picture and oftentimes this is the thing that keeps us from understanding the situation adequately. But the poison that we throw in someone’s heart can wound it more than we even imagine.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Luke 6:37 NIV
“No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”
James 3:8 NIV
As for “constructive criticism”, I really like a saying that I’ve recently heard: “don’t speak until you’re asked, but live in a way that you would be asked”. I think that criticism should be spoken out by the people in authority. And preferably upon request of the criticized one. This is the only way that a person can accept it and embrace it.
And the last thought for today:
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)” Ephesians 5:8-9 NIV
Let’s act as the children of light! And let our fruit be goodness and kindness toward one another.
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