Tweet wars: As accusations of racism, xenophobia and incivility fly, how should Christians respond?
Written By Tammy Holland // Race & Faith // EEW Magazine
President Donald Trump has ignited a war of words on Twitter after firing off racist tweets that have been widely condemned, aimed at four progressive congresswomen of color.
He made the incendiary remarks Sunday saying if lawmakers “hate our country,” they can go back to their “broken and crime-infested” countries. As the back-and-forth accusations of racism, xenophobia and incivility fly, how should Christians respond?
Some don’t quite know how to react.
Such commentary that stokes the flames of racism has angered masses of people who have swiftly come to the defense of the women targeted: Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan. All are American citizens and three of the four were born in the U.S.
Photo: Representatives Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Ayanna Pressley at a press conference on Monday. (Credit: Getty)
“If you’re not happy in the U.S., if you’re complaining all the time, you can leave, you can leave right now,” Trump said. The president’s words, for many, evoked the trope of telling black people to go back to Africa.
Trump, on Monday, singled out Omar, in particular, accusing her of having “hatred” for Israel, and expressing “love” for “enemies like al-Qaida.”
“These are people that, in my opinion, hate our country,” he said.
As a follower of Jesus Christ, before you jump in the fray and use your keyboard to throw accusations, and word grenades of your own, read these 7 scriptures:
Matthew 5:44: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Luke 6:28: “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
James 1:20 “My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.”
1 Peter 2:15: “For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.”
Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Proverbs 26:4: “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.”
Isaiah 53:7 “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.”
Based on all of these scripture there are 4 simple rules:
Prayer and kindness are always a must.
Let the Holy Spirit guide your words.
Make sure what you say is beneficial and never malicious.
Finally, sometimes, remaining silent, while letting your character speak for you, is best.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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