Don’t Add Fuel to the Fires of Online Arguments
By Rick Warren
"Don't answer fools when they speak foolishly, or you will be just like them." Proverbs 26:4 (NCV)
There’s a lot of negative stuff online. It’s never been easier to take to heart the negativity that you read on your social media feed and then get drawn into unproductive arguments. You just want to set people straight!
"Stay away from those who have foolish arguments and talk about useless family histories and argue and quarrel about the law. Those things are worth nothing and will not help anyone" (Titus 3:9 NCV).
God doesn’t want you to get involved in useless arguments. That includes those on the Internet. There are plenty of people just waiting for someone to challenge them online. They even go looking for arguments. But those folks use motivated reasoning, which means, no matter what you say, it's not going to change anything. The Bible has something to say about people who live for the fight: "Just as charcoal and wood keep a fire going, a quarrelsome person keeps an argument going" (Proverbs 26:21 NCV).
Don’t add fuel to the fire. "Don't answer fools when they speak foolishly, or you will be just like them" (Proverbs 26:4 NCV). Don’t let them hook you!
What people think about you should not concern you and does not have any degree of influence on your happiness. Instead, here's what Jesus says you should be worrying about: "And I tell you that on the Judgment Day people will be responsible for every careless thing they have said" (Matthew 12:36 NCV).
One day, we’re going to give an account of every word we used on the Internet or our phones. That ought to give anyone pause before they post anything.
The Bible says that pride always causes conflict (Proverbs 13:10). Anywhere you find conflict, ego is involved. When my pride hits your pride, that causes conflict.
Before you go online, ask God to give you a good dose of humility. You’ll need it as you face the fire and make the right choice to speak in love.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Be Encouraged Each Day to Live Out God’s Purposes
As thanks for your gift below to help share the gospel with more people around the world through Daily Hope, we’ll send you Pastor Rick’s new book, Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise.
Each devotional starts out with a Bible verse, followed by teaching that explains God’s Word and shows you how to apply it daily so you can face any challenge and live the life you were created to live.
As a special bonus when you give, we’ll also send you What's Driving Your Life?: A 10-Day Turnaround for a Fresh Start. Featuring 10 hand-picked devotions from Pastor Rick’s new book, they’ll guide anyone feeling stressed, worried, or discouraged toward seeking God for a fresh start.
Request your copy below when you give—and take the first step towards a year of real purpose, lasting peace, and unfailing promises.
Thank you for your partnership!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.