As stated in my initial post, Pop Parables is meant to be a community where we can openly dialogue about our individual experiences along the journey of faith. In the blogosphere, it’s easy to get “comment rage” when you can’t really see the people on the other side of the screen. Let’s try to rise above those tendencies and remember that the people who read and comment on this blog are real-they have valid thoughts, feelings, and opinions too! (GASP)
So, I’ve gathered a few verses that define the ideal frame of mind to summon when commenting. If you’re having problems summoning that frame of mind, I suggest you head on over to the “Music” tab, do a little dancing to shake away the blues, and come back.
Alrighty, here we go:
I Thessalonians 5:12: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
First and foremost our intent should be to encourage, not to tear down. If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it all! (Thanks, Thumper!)
Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
This is a great place to challenge one another to learn and grow more in our faith. Ask questions, spur discussion, and feel free to disagree if the intent is to encourage growth and understanding.
I Peter 3:14-16: “But in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
Even if you disagree with someone or are simply trying to explain yourself, the best way to get others to listen is to do so lovingly and respectfully.
Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
No potty mouths, please! And as far as I’m concerned any comment that is off topic or appears spam like falls into the category of “unwholesome”.
Any comment that doesn’t fall in line with the above will be POOF gone in a flash, deleted, as in be gone, hasta leugo, goodbye, sayonara, tot ziens, tschuss, aloha…um, you get the point.
Now don’t you wish there was a “delete” button in real life? Or at least an “undo”? I would definitely need to use it from time to time!
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