The Flame Within

What is an internet troll?

Wikipedia refers to a “Troll” as:  In internet slang, a troll-is a person who sows discord on the Internet by starting arguments or upsetting people. 

I ask you again….

Are you an internet troll?

Are you tired of internet trolls?

I am an avid Facebooker.  Facebook has proven to be a wonderful place to stay in touch with friends and family.  For the most part, I have found Facebook a place of encouragement, humor, and spiritual growth.  Unfortunately, I have occasionally found Facebook to be a place of discord.  Most of the people on my Facebook friend list are positive, encouraging, loving, and a place to find caring prayer warriors.  However, at times people use Facebook as a place to attack, publicly out, and complain.  

This is a “sad” scenario!  

It seems to me people are looking for anyway to become disturbed, embittered, and angry!  

These aren’t just mean people, these “trolls” at times have been friends, or at least their on my Facebook friend list.  

There have been many times, my feelings were hurt via a comment on my Facebook page.

I have realized that my “true friends” would never intentionally hurt me.  Typically I offer several hurtful comments and then I take one simple step, “I  click… “unfriend”.

Honestly, life is full of negativity, hurtful people, and difficult relationships, I refuse to allow negative people on Facebook, twitter, etc… an ongoing avenue for continual hurt to my heart.  

There is enough hurt in life, without added and unnecessary hurt via internet media.

Often times, these hurtful comments come from my Christian friends, those who are supposed to be fellow encouragers through this life.  

This is the primary reason my children will not be allowed Facebook accounts until they are through the tough middle school/high school years.  Adolescents are dealing with so many self-esteem issues, without the added stress of “internet trolls”.  

What does the Bible say about “internet trolls”?

Mathew 5:9 “Blessed are the “peacemakers” for they shall be called children of God.”

Friends, we should approach Facebook in the way we approach life…  We should be encouragers and peacemakers.  If we feel a comment in anyway may hurt another, we should keep our mouths closed, and just keep scrolling.  

My method is…

If I like I press “like” or comment.  If I don’t like or disagree I “keep scrolling”.  

It’s really that simple!!!  

Yes, there is an occasional situation when you feel a situation should be addressed with another person.  This should be done in private, rather than through public ridicule or character outing.  

Please Remember….

Don’t be so sensitive!

Don’t take EVERYTHING so personally!

Don’t assume the worst!

Don’t be a devils advocate!

Don’t be a TROLL!!!

Please Remember…

Be supportive!

Be encouraging!

Be a Light for God’s kingdom!

Be a FRIEND…  A “real” friend!

Be a peacemaker!!!

It is my prayer that you were encouraged through this post!  Encouraged to be a part of the solution, rather than part of the problem!  Encouraged to “think twice” before making hurtful comments on Facebook!  

Remember:  Just because your typing it into a computer screen and not saying the words to their faces, doesn’t mean that the comments aren’t real or hurtful.  Actually, typing a comment should really make us “think twice” about what/how we comment, as many of the non-verbals and vocal inflections are unavailable to show sarcasm, tenderness… etc.

For the sake of our friends, our children, and ourselves….

PLEASE:  BE A PEACEMAKER!!!  NOT A TROLL!!!