“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
Ephesians 4:29 NLT
One of the benefits of social media is that it allows for everyone to have a voice and an audience. This is especially useful if what you want to say is helpful and uplifting. One of the drawbacks of social media is that it allows everyone to have a voice and an audience. That includes people who don’t desire to be helpful and uplifting, instead choosing attacks, criticisms, gossiping, profanity and the like.
As Paul advised the Ephesians, we should be mindful of what we say (or type). God wants our words to be seasoned and attractive so that we’re sending the right message (Colossians 4:6) Our words should also be encouraging (I Thessalonians 5:11), showing that we truly love our neighbors.
Take stock of what you say in person and online. Do you encourage? Do you uplift? Are your words helpful? Are your conversations free from anything that displeases God? If the answer to any of these is no, ask God for forgiveness and guidance on what you say and how you say it. Then perhaps what you say to your followers will better reflect the One you’re following.