Plz Don't Yell At Me
Hello friends! Back during my days when I would endlessly scroll through Christian TikTok and watch Christian YouTube videos, I noticed a really toxic trend happening amongst our people. So many Christian influencers (or video makers if you don't like that term) would be really rude or angry when they were spreading the gospel. I saw a lot of people be super snarky and condescending to people who were simply trying to learn more information about the Christian faith. There were even people who would make videos about certain people and claim that they were false prophets or false teachers and they were completely focused on the person and not the ideology that was incorrect. It made me really uncomfortable watching those videos and it gives off the tone of carelessness and quite honestly, clout-chasing when people behave in that matter towards others. God has called Christians to be a cut above the rest, and when we behave so uncouthly towards others and especially those who are in the faith, we look really goofy and disorganized to non-believers.
God says that we are supposed to spread the gospel to others. However, it is not our job to convince others to follow Christ; that is the Holy Spirit's job. So when people don't believe us when we speak the gospel, that is not our cross to bear. We don't have to get upset, or irritated, or yell and scream in their faces, or call people names, to get our point across. God will speak to them about what they need to hear; we just need to do our part and get to pushing if they start to act ugly. You don't have to stick around and continue to endure abuse if they are talking slick out the mouth, but I want Christians to take the initiative in being the bringers of peace in these situations. When people mess up or don't know things, we have to be forgiving in the way that Christ has forgiven us. That way, people will see by the way we behave who TRULY has peace, and joy, and is unbothered by rude tactics. We just need to focus on our part and God will take care of the rest!
Tone matters in conversations in general, and it especially matters when we are spreading the gospel or correcting misinformed teaching. I personally, really don't like it when people yell at me; and I know that others wouldn't like that either. Many people have triggers when it comes to people raising their tone, and we as Christians need to make sure that we are being image-bearers of Christ in these situations. Because when we yell at people it can feel as though God is yelling at them, because we are supposed to be representatives of Jesus. So this can turn people off to Jesus altogether if they believe that they will be berated and treated harshly by Him. A great rule of thumb that I use to check myself to make sure that I am being respectful, is to remind myself that if people are looking up my material to understand me or my viewpoint, it's because they are curious and willing to listen. If they didn't want to hear what I had to say, then they wouldn't have found my ministry. If we speak from a place that is aware that our audience is actively trying to do better, then being harsh and berating them sounds as ridiculous as it is.
The bible says that when we see those who fall into wrongdoing, that we should correct them in a gentle way. When God speaks to us about what we should improve on, He speaks to us calmly and gently. So we as Christians should move in a way that accurately depicts our Father. Then even more people will be willing to hear and accept our message about Jesus Christ.
My friends, if someone is caught in any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right; but you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too.
Galatians 6:1 GNTD
So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith.
Galatians 6:10 GNTD
Show mercy toward those who have doubts;
Jude 1:22 GNTD
So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest.
Galatians 6:9 GNTD