Spend more time with people different than you. Share a cup of coffee with someone and spend time face-to-face. Stop watching cable news. Stop spending so much time on Facebook.
Garbage in? Garbage out.
Internet Trolls in Church Clothes
How now shall we comment? Consider some examples of the kind of questions we can ask ourselves before posting.
- Am I speaking from a soul satisfied in God or from my discontent?
- Have I prayed for this person to whom I’m about to respond?
- Have I labored to understand what he is saying?
- Do I love this person (1 Peter 2:15–17) — even if they feel like an enemy (Matthew 5:43)?
- Am I merely trying to one-up him?
- How would I phrase this critique if I had to speak it to him face to face?
- Can I raise my critique in private instead of in public?
- How can I say this in a way that aims to build him up as well as the hearers?
- Is this particular critique needful at this point in time?
- Could I be wrong?
- Am I sowing discord or delight?
That’s why Jesus invites us to his table. He wants to see our lives transformed by providing a place to belong. When Jesus told his disciples how much he had looked forward to being with them at the Passover table he was telling them in a big way that they were welcome at his table. He wanted them there. He accepted them as they were.
Stop Giving Toxic People Your Time
So when you recognize someone who doesn’t have principles, shows nasty behavior, and has multiple personalities — step away.
Instead, surround yourself with people who want the best for you.
Not with people who are jealous, can’t see your success, and thrive off negativity. I think this is important to realize for anyone who wants to live a good life.
Greeters and Gifts: How Churches Welcome Guests
If the average pastor has anything to do with it, church guests can expect multiple greetings and may even leave with a gift.
A new study from Nashville-based LifeWay Research asked 1,000 Protestant pastors what their churches do to welcome guests.