Does this happen to you? I read a hot topic post on Nextdoor app. It struck a chord with me.
Although I’ve only written a couple of responses through the years, I supported the writer of the post and added my opinion. I made sure my opinion was respectful. Others were adding their thoughts, all respectful.
Then a monster guy decided to call us a “bunch of Karen’s, who had no brains” and couldn’t possibly have another point of view, than his own. He only offered his belittling criticism. My immediate reaction was “Why you, I’m going to blast you for being such a disrespectful ignoramus and give you a piece of my mind (as soon as I figure out how to say it respectfully!)” But then the words of our pastor entered my mind “Show people that you are a Christian and don’t partake in rude behavior.”
I was still emotionally charged, so to fix my angry thoughts, I “prayed” for this monster guy. I have a hard time praying for the enemy, especially instantly, but it really really helped. I released this person to God, thereby I didn’t feel the need to teach him his lesson. Compassion happened. My thoughts became “This person doesn’t understand God’s love and feels the need to pour out venom to strangers. Help him Lord. Soften his heart.”
I’ve seen others combat and rip each other to shreds so knew it wouldn’t do any good to speak with a gentle answer or be a counselor, but instead ask God to help him.
I did not reply.
My emotions were stable after letting go, and letting God, that evening. But the moment I woke, I felt aggravated! Yow.
God helped me right away. I read my friend’s blog and it was the exact answer to this situation! Thank you God!
13 Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go;
Keep her, for she is your life.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked,
And do not walk in the way of evil.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
Turn away from it and pass on.
16 For they do not sleep unless they have done evil;
And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness,
And drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the just is like the shining sun,
That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.
19 The way of the wicked is like darkness;
They do not know what makes them stumble.
PROVERBS 4:13-19 NKJV
What are your experiences?
God Stories for Me, Yippee! 
It is hard when we are faced with an opposing view laced with anger and disrespect. I think by not engaging you did the right thing because it never result in a sensible back and forth conversation. I think it is different if we know the person and get a chance to have a reasonable conversation, but online it is usually futile. And I think the best way to approach this is following what James writes, be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. I try to remember this but I must say that I fail quite often.
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I agree. It is true and hard. I think Jesus had His words “Love your enemies” with social media in mind. Heehee Gives us good practice! Thank you for reading and commenting. ❤
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Ugh…Trolls
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So that is what troll means? I’ve heard it so often but didn’t know. My husband started writing down all the new words within the past year or two that we’re not familiar with. The ones that weren’t in the dictionary 5 years ago! 🤣
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In Internet slang, a troll is a person who posts inflammatory, insincere, digressive, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community, a newsgroup, forum, chat room, online video game, or blog, with the intent of provoking readers into displaying emotional responses, or manipulating others’ perception. Wikipedia
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Thank you for the education. His response matches exactly. I was trolled! Haha But didn’t fall for it, thank you God!
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Great post Marla. It just shows how much God is working in your life. He cares about the small details.
So glad you chose the better way. Praying for him released you from all that hurt. Beautiful story. Thanks so much for sharing. 💜
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Thanks, and YOUR post validated my response! I love how God works. ❤
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Yes, God is good. I love how He works through His children also. He never ceases to amaze me. What a wonderful God we serve. 💜 Have a great day.
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Still praying for you
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Social media is never the place to try and win an argument, even respectfully! Trolls simply thrive on someone engaging with them. Better to ignore them, hard as it is! 🙂
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I would think the administrator would stop them if they offer no input other than to criticize? I agree that ignoring is best bc if I had interacted, instead of praying, I could have been hooked on his shenanigans for days or weeks. My mental power would have went to him vs thinking about God.
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I’ve learned to choose my battles wisely. I have just so much mental, emotional and physical energy for each day. I prefer to invest that energy in things that impact my goals, destiny, my family and those who desire make a difference in this painful world in which we live. Some things are a waste – Jesus did not always respond with words.😊
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I can tell by your answer that you are an intentional person. So good! Reminds me on Klove, Randy Carlson used to have a program called Intentional Living, saying exactly what you’re saying. ❤
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Lessons learned 😁😁!
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Terrific post.
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Thank you!
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