I believe that our online selves should truly reflect our real-life selves. I believe one of the most important things we do is point people to Jesus (which includes much, much more than merely *telling* and is most helpfully done by living authentically Jesus-loving lives).

It’s my experience that while the written word has the power to clarify feelings and thoughts superbly, there is also an abundance of times (most noticeably online) when the written word has communicated very inadequately what the writer intended, and ultimately brought discord and hurt. I know past times when I have communicated poorly, especially on messaging platforms.

I think we should be careful with our words: with what we choose to say and with what we choose to leave out. As the greatest commandment is to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ then we must surely include loving God with our words. (Luke 10:27) Let’s remember that the second part of the greatest commandment continues, “Love your neighbor as yourself” and make sure our words reflect that too—even to those we cannot see in person. Perhaps especially to those we cannot see in person, because those people can’t ask questions if they misunderstand or feel hurt. I think we must make sure our words build up and encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11). I think our words must reflect who we are (truth) while being loving. To be truthful we cannot not share Jesus with our words. To be loving, we cannot be unkind or unforgiving.

In today’s challenge, Downs asks us to post an image of this devotional and offer to have our friends join us in it. How easy would you find it to do that? What would you be most worried about? Would posting on social media about this book require bravery from you? For me to be brave I would have to post on my personal Facebook page and risk comments from family and friends who sometimes I don’t feel built-up or encouraged by. So, I guess I should get right on that!