Sikapin ninyong laging maging kaaya-aya at kapaki-pakinabang ang inyong pananalita sa kanila, at matuto kayong sumagot nang tama sa sinumang nagtatanong.

Mga Taga-Colosas 4:6

Sa panahon ngayon na napakadali nang mag-express ng sarili, mag-rant, humingi ng opinyon, at magtanong ng suggestions sa social media, napakadali na ring makakuha ng sagot mula sa iba’t ibang tao. Once we post something online, we are prone to either receive supportive and informative comments or bashing or false information.

Take, for instance, Jenn, a member of an online travel page. As a first-timer to Melbourne, she asked for insights about her itinerary for her 10-day trip. Although she got helpful tips from most members, nakakuha rin siya ng mga discouraging comment about the cost, time, and her lack of proper planning. One comment even reads, “May Google, ‘teh. Try mo.”

Si Owie naman, posted on Instagram about a reality show contestant he supports. In just a few minutes, inulan siya ng bashing from netizens who do not agree with his choice. Some opinions, in fact, are hurtful kasi naging personal attack na nga kay Owie, naging smear campaign pa against the contestant.

Even Pam, who posted about being hospitalized, woke up the next morning with comments like, “Puro ka work, ayan tuloy,” “Sumugod ka siguro sa ulan kagabi,” and “Nagpapabaya ka kasi!” Instead of care and sympathy, she felt like sinisisi pa siya ng mga nag-comment sa post niya.  

As Christians, we are called to be gracious in the way we use our words. Oo nga’t may freedom of speech tayo, pero kung nakakasakit sa iba, we might want to pause and control ourselves from being harsh and hurtful. We are accountable to God for our daily conversations, whether in person or online. Sikapin nating maging mas maayos ang ating sagot, kahit sa mga pagkakataong hindi tayo sang-ayon sa sentiment ng iba.