Don’t Feed the Trolls / 不要喂食网络巨怪

[Dexu Xia]

Don’t Feed the Trolls

Make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace. Colossians 4:5–6

Ever heard the expression, “Don’t feed the trolls”? “Trolls” refers to a new problem in today’s digital world—online users who repeatedly post intentionally inflammatory and hurtful comments on news or social media discussion boards. But ignoring such comments—not “feeding” the trolls—makes it harder for them to derail a conversation.

Of course, it’s nothing new to encounter people who aren’t genuinely interested in productive conversation. “Don’t feed the trolls” could almost be a modern equivalent of Proverbs 26:4, which warns that arguing with an arrogant, unreceptive person risks stooping to their level.

And yet . . . even the most seemingly stubborn person is also a priceless image-bearer of God. If we’re quick to dismiss others, we may be the ones in danger of being arrogant and becoming unreceptive to God’s grace (see Matthew 5:22).

That might, in part, explain why Proverbs 26:5 offers the exact opposite guideline. Because it takes humble, prayerful dependence on God to discern how best to show others love in each situation (see Colossians 4:5–6). Sometimes we speak up; other times, it’s best to be silent.

May we find peace in knowing that the same God who drew us near while we were still in hardened opposition to Him (Romans 5:6) is powerfully at work in each person’s heart.

Reflect & Pray

How have you witnessed very different approaches being used by God to touch others? How can you better speak the truth in love?

Loving God, help me share Your love with others around me.

 

不要喂食网络巨怪

要爱惜光阴，……你们的言语要常常带着和气。-歌罗西书4章5-6节

有句英文的网络俚语说：“不要喂食网络巨怪！”“网络巨怪”指的是那些蓄意在网络论坛、聊天室或留言版上制造争端的人，他们故意发布挑衅且伤人的评论，激怒读者以打断原本正讨论的主题。但对这些评论不理会、不回应，就是不“喂食”巨怪，可以防止这些人使议题偏离正轨。

在讨论具有建设性的议题时，难免会遇到不感兴趣的人。但“不要喂食网络巨怪”就有如箴言26章4节的现代版翻译，警告世人不要与傲慢、不愿接受忠告的人起争执，避免与对方沦为同一水平。

但反过来说，即使看似冥顽不灵的人也有上帝的形象。若我们随意将他人排除在外，不予理会，那么我们可能才是那个不愿接受上帝恩惠的傲慢之徒（参阅马太福音5章22节）。

这或许可以解释，箴言26章5节为何提供与第4节完全相反的指导方针。因为只有谦卑自己、以祷告的心倚靠上帝，才能知道如何在各种情境中用爱心对待人（参阅歌罗西书4章5-6节）。有时我们必须开口，有时则沉默是金。

无论在何种情况中，愿我们都谨记，这位在我们硬心抗拒祂时就为我们牺牲的上帝（罗马书5章6节），如今仍在每个人的心中动工。

慈爱的上帝，
帮助我天天与我周围的人分享祢的爱。

你曾见过上帝用哪些方式触动人心？
你如何以更好的方式用爱心传达真理呢？