Carrie Underwood felt the sting recently of tweets that took shots at her recent Sound of Music Live performance.
She replied curtly: "Plain and simple: Mean people need Jesus. They will be in my prayers tonight... 1 Peter 2:1-25"
It seems to be a trend in modern social media society for people to trash others publically. It seems that some feel secure in the protection of their own living rooms, or in their mother's basement, to bully and pick on others.
As Christians, we are called to be counter-culture - by being transformed in our minds - Romans 12:1-2.
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Be like Jesus - be kind. Be shaped by His love and kindness, not from hate.
Titus 3
1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
Hated by others and hating one another. Maybe you have found yourself saying: Well, he started it. That is the reactionary influence Paul emphasizes - hatred leads to a cycle of reactionary hatred. Then Paul uses the next word, BUT.
4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
In Christ we now have a new history - not Love for Performance, but unmerited favor. Grace. Be gentle (v. 2) Show courtesy to all people. Do not be further influenced by past habit and the flow of your surroundings - only One deserves to be Lord of your life and control your actions. Do not allow haters or hatred to be your guiding influence.
Carrie is right - we need Jesus. Sing it, girl.