I’ve noticed lately an uncomfortable reality that is becoming more prevalent. This reality has been created by the ease of social media that allows people to freely toss out unwise and unloving words without being held accountable for what they say.

What typically happens is after listening to or reading a person’s comment expressing an opinion or viewpoint, a cascade of criticism begins. A single critic, a person who either did not understand what was being addressed or simply had a combative personality, will toss out a baseless accusation or shallow critique of what was shared. That single accusation or criticism is like the first movement of a snowpack that begins to tumble down a mountain side gaining momentum and creating an avalanche. This mass of criticism begins to pile on the original opinion with a layer of rejection that is used to dismiss and bury the one who shared an unpopular opinion.

Scripture offers abundant instruction on how to not become part of an avalanche. 

“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut” (Proverbs 10:19).

“Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions” (Proverbs 18:2).

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry” (James 1:19).

“There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking” (Proverbs 29:20).

The most sobering warning of all about piling on another person’s opinion and creating an avalanche of rejection comes from Jesus, “And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak” (Matthew 12:36).