4:31 – Happy Messages

#faithbites #faithjourney messages

Setting

Let’s face it, I spend way too much time on social media. How about you? I have found myself snoozing those who are sharing things that are false or negative. Now, I am all for a healthy debate, but I’m learning I don’t need the negativity in my life. Those messages are tearing me down. Some call this being privileged. If that’s the case, then I will claim it. There is a difference between ignoring injustices and turning off negative messages.

A friend of mine was posting about his dinner, his cat, and his health in general. It was just how God is impacting him in his life. It’s real and meaningful. It helps us connect as friends even if we aren’t together. It’s a good way to know that we are more than our political leanings and our differences. I look forward to seeing his messages as it’s real.

For me, the worse messages, are those that use God to spread hate and discrimination. The Gospel as a complete work is about love, faith, salvation, and resurrection. It’s not about hate. Jesus’s message is his love for us no matter what. His forgiveness is complete. His grace is sufficient for us.

If this is his message, why are our messages not full of love and happiness?

Today’s Question: What messages are you putting out into the world?

Scripture

• Hebrews 13:16 – Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
• Nehemiah 8:10 – Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
• John 15:11 – These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Reflection

Happiness, love (see 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 for a definition of love), and joy is throughout the Bible. God does want us to one-up another. Jesus tells us to love others as love ourselves. Nowhere does it say to hate.

The thing about sharing messages is that we need to look at how the message appears to others. We also need to think about why we are sharing the message. Is it to share love and happiness, then great. If not, we need to think about it.

Our scriptures show us to love, be joyful, and share with others. Here’s the thing, our messages have an impact. Let me be clear. We can debate and have difference, while still loving one another.

As we close, think about the messages you are putting out there? Are they to bring people together or divide? Are you wanting to debate or just make a point? As followers of Jesus, we need to think about those messages and how they impact others. Remember, our messages are a reflection of us which is a reflection of Jesus. Are you reflecting on him the way you want?