6 Questions to Ask Before You Post

Lately I’ve been cringing when I get on social media—specifically when I see people I know and care about act like a fool online.  Unfortunately, I recognize this online foolishness because I’ve done it myself. I’ve been snarky, sarcastic, and selfish online.  How about you?  Are you showing kindness online?

6 Questions to Ask Before Your Next Post, Gram, Tweet, or Snap…

1— Is It Kind?

The world tears us down enough, let’s choose to build others up. The proverb of “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all” still applies today, no matter our age or our communication medium.

Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

2—Is It Humble?

Don’t be arrogant and think yourself better than others.  We can deliver tough truths, and often need to, with humility and meekness remembering our own faults.

Colossians 3:12 says, “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”

3— Is It True?

A half truth is a whole lie. Do your homework before you work it out online. Make sure you know all angles to the story before you chime in.  If you don’t know, don’t post something as fact that is only part of the story.

Colossians 3:14 says, “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

4— Is It Courageous?

Don’t be a coward. If you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, don’t put it online. Before you post, make sure you are ok with the world seeing it. There is permanency in our posts, so don’t post something you’ll be ashamed of later.

Philippians 2:4 says, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

5— Is It Helpful?

Don’t jump in with the mob for your own gratification. Make a positive impact instead of a negative bash. Be a peacemaker in the midst of conflict and confusion.

Philippians 2:14–15 says, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”

6— Could this be better handled in private or in person? 

Many things could be handled better with a private text, message, call, or face to face conversation. Be slow to post and quick to clarify.

We know we are going to hear, see, and experience many frustrating things online and in life. Instead of responding like the world in anger and retaliation, let’s aim together for being a bright light of God’s love online.