How do you respond to Trollers? Can you help them?
The urban dictionary defines trolling as someone who deliberately makes random unsolicited or controversial comments on the various internet forums to provoke an emotional response from unsuspecting readers.
I have also heard the term “haters” used to describe persons who make malicious and insulting comments about other people.
So, I decided to search for the origin of the word “haters.” I found an article on the news website npr.org that states that it originates in the hip-hop world and became popular in the ’90s by the Notorious B.I.G before he died.
The article also states that Marcus Reeves in his book Somebody Scream… wrote that the term “Player Hater” refers to people who work against or criticize successful rappers or people who work hard to achieve their success.
Please let me know in the comment box if you have any other information about the origin of the word “haters.”
I personally do not like to refer to people as “haters” because then I would be attacking their character. People who are deliberately malicious to others are being used by Satan and so it is useless to fight against flesh and blood.
But, I do agree that some people seem to enjoy telling others dirty or spiteful words especially if they do not agree with their views.
You will encounter these people who make hateful comments on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and, oh yes, on WordPress.
I encountered my first hateful comments on my blog a week ago. The person posted insulting and degrading comments on one of my post.
How did I react to this hate speech?
Did I try to argue with the person or did I tell him a choice word or two?
No!
I simply trashed his comments, marked him as spam, unfollowed and blocked him.
Do I feel guilty about doing this?
A resounding No!
Once upon a time, I would have felt a little guilty, feeling that perhaps I should try to help the person in some way.
Then one day, the Lord led me to the following passage of scripture and low and behold any guilt feelings I previously had disappeared.
These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans.
But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.
“Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city! (Matthew 10:5-15)
As noted in the above scripture, Jesus gave the apostles a specific assignment.
He made sure to let them know that they should not waste time trying to save people who refused to listen to their message but just leave them and wipe the dust off their feet.
This means that they have done their part and the guilt of these stubborn people will not be on their heads.
Our job is to release the word and step aside then allow God to do the rest.
I also do not believe in going in the way of the “gentiles” to minister to them. The term “Gentiles” in the above passage referred to the non-Jewish people because Jesus came to save the Jews first then the Gentiles (John 1:10-13; Romans 10:12).
But, I use this term “gentiles” to refer to atheists or people who are outwardly against Christianity.
I will not witness to them or go into their territory to do so unless of course the Lord specifically tells me to do it.
I have come to the conclusion that some people will never listen to or obey sound wisdom.
Therefore, it does not matter how much you encourage, advice, help and pray for them, they will continue on their same destructive path.
In these cases, it is best to simply wipe the dust off your feet and leave them in the hands of God.
One of my fellow bloggers – Queen Karen (Sacrificebeyondprice) have some wise words for the “Jonahs” in our lives. I believe these words can also apply to the malicious persons who try to attack us from time to time.
“Sometimes the best thing you can do for someone is to wake them up and throw them overboard. As long as you keep rescuing them, you get in God’s way. It’s pride that makes us think we can do what only God can do!” (Sacrificebeyondprice)
I was inspired to write this post when I read Queen Karen’s post entitled “Who is that friend in your life?”
Her post also gave me additional peace about the way I reacted to the hateful comments I received. Please go over to Karen’s blog and read her posts. They are inspiring.
Have you ever receive hateful comments on any of your blog posts?
If yes, what was your reaction?
How do you react to Trollers?
Please share with us!
Becoming the Oil and Wine 
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