Imagine if someone posted something ridiculous like, “It’s a sin to wear shoes” in a blog post or on social media. I would be curious, asking, “How did you come to this conclusion?” If there was biblical validity to his position, I would repent of my shoe-wearing-ways. If his argument was lacking in weight, however, I would simply go on about my life. I would not be angry, leave argumentative comments on his post, or unfriend him on Facebook. Why should his position make me angry?

Which makes me wonder, why do people leave such nasty and angry comments? Why do people unfriend each other over a Facebook post?

computer and sunglasses

I’ve noticed, the angry comments usually come when someone posts their understanding that a particular behavior is ungodly or sinful (drinking alcohol, going to prom, wearing skimpy bathing suits, etc.). All of a sudden, people who practice that particular behavior, get very angry and defensive. It makes me wonder why they are so defensive. After all, there are only two possibilities: First, the person who said, “Such and such behavior is sinful” is right and they are simply trying to admonish those they love in an effort to save them from hell. Or the second possibility is they are wrong.

If they are wrong, what difference does it make? How are they hurting you – or anyone else – by posting on their own blog or Facebook feed that a certain behavior is wrong? Why should you feel compelled to angrily defend that behavior? You are not trying to save their soul, are you? After all, their soul is not in danger if they refrain from wearing shoes, because they feel it is sinful? Why must you angrily try to convince them they are wrong?

Allow me to give a real life example. There are many of my brethren who feel it is wrong to eat in a church building. I understand their position. I respect their position. I’ve studied the issue for myself and I’m convinced that I’m authorized by God to eat food in a church building.

That being said, if one of my friends on Facebook posts an article entitled, “10 Reasons People who Eat in Church Buildings are Going to Hell,” I would read the article. I would consider each of the 10 reasons in light of Scripture. If I was still not convinced, I would go on about my business. I would not be angry at that friend. In fact, I would respect him for trying to warn me that – from his perspective – my soul is in danger. Why in the world would that make me angry?

Do You Have a Guilty Conscience?

When someone warns publicly that a behavior is sinful, does it make you angry because they’ve struck a chord in your heart? Are you defensive because you know they might be right? Do you feel like it’s a personal attack on you because you’re burdened with a guilty conscience?

When someone warns you of something they understand to be sinful, why not at least consider their position? Why not – even if you disagree – thank them for their concern? Why not ask yourself, “Why does this post make me feel so angry?”

Just some thoughts to consider.

I love you and God loves you,

Wes McAdams

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