Social media connects us virtually with people from the various geographical and temporal periods of our lives. My Facebook friends and Twitter followers have personalities and values that stretch to the edges of society. Some are liberal and others are conservative, some believe in God while others don’t; the only thing some of them have in common is knowing. But there are 10 commandments we can all follow to help us communicate better through social media.
With all that’s going on, controversy often clogs our news feeds. People are upset, excited and unsettled and they can’t keep it to themselves. We as leaders want to influence people for good. As Christians, we want to faithfully follow Jesus, and as people, we want friends.
For every two people fighting on Facebook, 200 walk the line between cringing and laughing as they watch the conversation unfold. So, here are The 10 Commandments of Facebook Communications to help you speak truth and show love.
The 10 Commandments of Facebook Communications
1) Thou Shall Keep Facebook Light. People post pictures of their kids here. They didn’t sign up for political and/or cultural debates.
2) Thou Shall Watch Thy Typing. Everything you say can and will be used against you. You can’t solve every problem or answer every argument so stick to the issues, and don’t start ranting.
3) Thou Shalt Not Be Rude. Making one set of friends laugh is not worth offending the rest of your friends. Vulgarity, being disrespectful and condescending attitudes aren’t fruit of the Spirit.
4) Thou Shall Remember A Soul Is Behind that Screen Name. Don’t say anything online you wouldn’t say to someone in person. Treat people as those whom Jesus loves.
5) Thou Shalt Not Forget Thou May Be Wrong. You are not the arbiter of absolute truth; Jesus is. None of us are right about everything. We don’t even know the things we’ve got wrong.
6) Thou Shall Speak More In Person Than Online. Some things are better said in person. Body language and tone of voice are just as key in communicating than the words used. Harsh truth flows better in a loving atmosphere created by a warm tone and gentle posture.
7) Thou Shall Remember That People Don’t Hear What You Say. People filter comments through their own paradigms, experiences and emotions, so be careful with your words. What you say may not be what they hear.
8) Thou Shalt Not Hold Back Truth, But Don’t Cast Your Pearls Before Swine. We can’t be afraid to share what we believe, but we don’t have to share everything with everyone at anytime. Keep your conversation filled with the clear message of love expressed in Christ.
9) Thou Shall Taketh Your Time To Respond. A quick response is not always best. Type your thoughts, but don’t send them. If you’re angry, don’t respond quickly or you may regret what you’ve said.
10) Thou Shall Forgive Freely. Forgive often. Many people say things on Facebook that they are not strong or brave enough to say in person.
What do you think about these commandments? Are there more you’d add? Let us know in the comments below.
