The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious.
~ Ecclesiastes 10:12
The following is from the September 1, 2009 devotion from Our Daily Bread.
"Some say that anonymity is the last refuge for cowards. Judging from mail and comments I've read that have been submitted anonymously, I would agree. People hiding behind the screen of anonymity or false identity feel the freedom to launch angry, hurtful tirades. Anonymity allows them to be unkind without having to take responsibility for their words.
Whenever I am tempted to write something anonymously because I don't want to be indentified with my own words, I stop and reconsider. If I don't want my name attached to it, I probably shouldn't be saying it. Then I do one of two things: I either toss it out or I rewrite it in a way that makes it helpful rather than hurtful.
According to Ephesians, our words should edify and impart grace (4:29). If I'm unwilling to use my name, there's reason to believe that my motive is to hurt, not to help.
Whenever you're tempted to say something in secret - perhaps to a family member, co-worker, or your pastor - consider why you don't want your name to be identified with your words. After all, if you don't want to be identified with your words, God probably doesn't either. He is gracious and slow to anger (Ex. 34:6), and we should be the same." - by Julie Ackerman Link
O Lord, help us to turn aside
From words that spring from selfish pride,
For You would have Your children one
In praise and love for Your dear son. - D. De Haan
Anonymity can be a coward's way of hiding behind hurtful words.
Excellent post! I see this so many places online...people judging/criticizing others behind the cloak of anonymity. I'm trying (and teaching my daughter the same) to be a woman of excellence and integrity.
ReplyDeletePsalm 7:8 says "Let the LORD judge the peoples. Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High."
My mom always told us if we can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. I konw some people disagree with this, but as you said "If I don't want my name attached to it, I probably shouldn't be saying it. Then I do one of two things: I either toss it out or I rewrite it in a way that makes it helpful rather than hurtful." Good words to live by!
Wonderful! Very well said.
ReplyDeleteImportant things to remember! :) thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteI would say you did the right thing, when there is no option left tossing is always the good option in that situation. your experience is so touching.
ReplyDeleter4