How Christians Should Handle Internet Trolls: A Biblical Guide to Online Conflict

How Christians Should Handle Internet Trolls: A Biblical Guide to Online Conflict

Introduction

The internet has provided awesome possibilities to communicate, learn, encourage others and share the Gospel.

It's also produced something that all online users will experience at some point, though:

the internet troll.

A troll may deliberately flame others, poke fun at their beliefs, insult them, make arguments and/or post inflammatory comments over and over again just to see what they get for a reaction.

This prompts the important question for Christians:

What should we do if we are deliberately provoked by somebody online?

Will we stand up to them?

Should we stand up for our faith?

Should we turn a blind eye to their behavior?

Do we prevent them?

While there's no specific reference to trolls on the Internet, the Bible provides timeless insights into behavior regarding anger, disputes, folly, forgiveness, wisdom, and self-control.

It's not just about winning an internet fight.

The challenge is to respond in a Christ-like way.

What is an Internet Troll?

An internet troll typically is a person who intentionally distorts, provokes or insults an online discussion in order to elicit an emotional response.

Not all those who disagree with you are trolls.

There's a significant difference there.

It's possible for someone to differ with your beliefs, and be respectful.

However, a troll might be more interested in provoking you than understanding you.

The difference is important because the biblical strategy to honest disagreement can be quite different from the way it is handled in the case of intentional provocation.

1. Be Slow to Anger

This is a very practical principle James gives the Christians:

Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.

James 1:19, KJV

This is particularly crucial when online.

An insulting comment is left on someones' wall.

Your emotions rise.

You send out a message right away.

They then repeat the response.

In no time, you're having a 30 comment conversation.

In no time at all, you realize your whole night has passed.

Pause.

You need not reply right away.

In some cases, the best approach is to wait.

2. Do not Become What You're Fighting

The worst thing that can happen in online combative situations is to become as aggressive as the person you are responding to.

Someone insults you.

You treat them like crap.

They bespoil your faith.

You mock theirs.

They become arrogant.

You become arrogant.

Finally neither of them looks anything like the character of Christ.

Paul gives an alternate direction:

Do not be deceived by the evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:21

Don't allow someone else's behavior to determine your character.

3. A mild and gentle answer turns away wrath.

Proverbs says:

A gentle answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

Deescalation can sometimes make all the difference in a conversation.

Instead of:

You've obviously got none of the facts.

Try:

I know you don't agree, but for my part...I think that's an idea of a different color.

Gentle doesn't require the giving up of truth.

Being firm, but not hostile.

4.Not all arguments deserve an answer.

It is one of the most crucial lessons for Christians in the internet.

Proverbs says:

Respond to a fool by his folly, or you will be like him.

Proverbs 26:4

Interestingly, the very next verse says:

Respond to the foolish by foolishness!

Proverbs 26:5

Why are these verses grouped together?

Wisdom is needed and a discernment is necessary.

There are times when it's appropriate to respond.

Sometimes, there are moments when you just have to do nothing.

The wise man learns to distinguish.

5. Be aware of when to leave.

Jesus did not defend himself from all the charges.

There were times when He was silent.

Scripture records when He was falsely accused before His accusers:

But Jesus said nothing.

Matthew 26:63

Not everything we do is cowardice.

Silence is sometimes strength.

Do not have to prove yourself to anyone.

You don't have to defend yourself against all the accusations.

Don't have to settle every argument.

6.To keep the Troll from eating you, don't feed it.

One thing a troll wants:

a reaction.

The more emotional your answer is, the more they have to keep going with the discussion.

At times the best answer is:

No response.

Don't give them endless gas for an argument without a constructive intent.

You can:

Ignore the comment.

Mute the conversation.

Restrict the account.

Block the person.

Report abuse when appropriate.

It's not unchristian to set boundaries.

7.Proclaim the gospel with no hostility.

Believers must be prepared to give an account of their beliefs.

Peter writes:

But make the Lord God the holy God in your hearts; and always be ready to give a reason...

1 Peter 3:15

However, pay attention to Peter's following words:

"...with meekness and fear."

The object of the game is not to kill the questioner.

The purpose is to be an accurate representation of Christ.

It's possible to defend Christianity without being defensive.

It is possible to disagree, but not hate.

There is a way to correct misinformation without embarrassing the person.

8. Use the Word of the Lord Whenever it is Appropriate

Paul gives believers instructions to be:

"Speaking the truth in love..."

Ephesians 4:15

Both parts matter.

Truth without love

can become harshness.

Love without truth

can become compromise.

It's important that Christian communication has both of these.

When responding to someone online, ask:

Do you try to help this person or just try to beat the person?

The answer to that question can make all the difference in the world.

9. Keep in mind, There is a Person Behind the Screen.

A username is a person.A username is a person, we hardly realize that.

That person has:

A story.

Experiences.

Fears.

Wounds.

Questions.

Beliefs.

A life outside the comment section!

And this person is created in the likeness of God!

This is not an excuse for abusive behaviour.

It should be motivating us to respond, however.

There is no reason to vilify an argument or its author, and no reason to deny that they can be human.There is no need to denigrate an argument or its proponent, nor to assert that they can be human.

10. Do not retaliate when insulted.

Peter provides Christian's with a strong principle:

But not rendering evil for evil, railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing...

1 Peter 3:9

The world says:

They insult you, insult them back!

Jesus has a different approach to life.

You don't have to give what you desire to receive.

Your response can demonstrate that Christ has changed the way you react.

11. Unlimited access is not the same as forgiveness!

This is a crucial difference.

Christians are to forgive.

Forgiveness does not mean that you have to put up with being abused by someone.

You can forgive someone and yet:

Block them.

End the conversation.

Report harassment.

Establish boundaries.

Protect your community.

Forgiveness frees us from revenge and bitterness.

It doesn't require you to provide someone unlimited access to you.

12. Protect Your Peace

Certain arguments can be online and keep you engaged long after you shut down the app.

You repeat the conversation again.

You ponder the ideal answer you should've provided.

You ask them if they've responded once more.

You are once again filled with a sense of anger.

You will need to take some time off at some point.

Jesus often went to be alone in prayer.

There's a lot more to you than just attention.

Not all comments need a bit of it.

13. Don't let social media be your battlefield.

Your call to become a Christian is far greater than to engage in internet arguments.

There are persons that require:

Encouragement.

Prayer.

Hope.

Truth.

Compassion.

The Gospel.

When you expend all your effort on dealing with strangers in the virtual world, you might not get a chance to be of service to real people.

Ask yourself:

Does this discussion serve a goal or purpose?

If it's not, it may be best to just walk away.

14.Pray for the Person

Jesus uttered one of the most difficult of his injunctions:

“Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, pray for those who hate you...”

Matthew 5:44

People who pray when attacked online change their attitude.

You don't just see them as an enemy anymore, you see them as someone who needs God's grace as well.

It is not necessary to pray:

God, prove that I'm in the right.

You can pray:

God, help this person. Help me to respond wisely. Keep my heart free from hatred.

15. Question yourself why you want to respond.

This is a great self-exam.

Before replying, ask:

Why do I do what I do?

Is it because:

I want to defend truth,

The answer may help someone?

I'd like to encourage other readers?

I want to set the record straight?

Or is it because:

My pride was hurt?

One last word?

Would you like to make them look bad?

I want to show that I am more intelligent?

I'm angry?

Your motivation matters.

One simple Christian Response Strategy is the Golden Rule.

If you're provoked online, try this:

STEP 1 — Pause

Avoid reacting when you are angry.

STEP 2 — Pray

Ask God for wisdom.

STEP 3 is to find the Intent.STEP 3 is to discover the Intent.

Is it an honest inquiry or a trick question?

STEP 4 – Determine if a response is required.

Not all comments are deserving of one.

STEP 5 — Be true and gentle if you respond

Reply to the argument, but don't attack the person.

STEP 6 — Knowing when to stop

The final word is not necessary.

STEP 7 — Walk Away

Keep your peace and get on with your life.

At what point is it ok to block someone?

Blocking doesn't necessarily make something unchristian.

There are times when it's right and proper.

Look for people who block or report for someone when they:

Repeatedly harass you.

Threaten you.

Use abusive language.

Target vulnerable people.

Continue to post objectionable material.

Disrespect boundaries.

Keep on causing disruption in your neighborhood.

Jesus taught forgiveness.

He didn't teach Christians to be subjected to harassment for the rest of their lives.

Wisdom includes boundaries.

What If Someone Attacks Christianity?

This is a significant circumstance for believers.

Someone may say:

"Christianity is stupid."

It's not required to reply with:

"You're stupid."

Rather, you could write:

I know that you disagree, if you are truly interested, I would be pleased to explain to you why I believe in Christ.

If she responds like that, she leaves the door open.

A respectful reply gets to those who won't listen to an angry argument.

What If Someone Asks a Difficult Question?

Not all difficult remarks are trolling.

There are some of those people who have hard questions about:

God.

Suffering.

The Bible.

Jesus.

Christianity.

Science.

History.

Morality.

Don't assume that all the hard questions are an attack.

If he or she really wants an answer, invest the time and effort in it.

And if you don't know the answer it's fine to say:

I'm not at all sure, but I'll find out."

It's better to be humble than to know it all.

Here are 5 Biblical Principles to remember:

1. Slow Down

Avoid responding to the anger of others.

2. Speak With Grace

There is no need for hostility in the dissemination of truth.

3. Understand the concept of the end.

Wisdom knows her way when a conversation drags on.

4. Protect Your Heart

Don't allow online conflict to produce bitterness.

5. Represent Christ

Your answer might be the only Christianity that they see that day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it unchristian to ignore a troll?

No.

The bible has examples of wisdom in silence and of folly in debate.

It is sometimes best to withhold from interaction, it is the most peaceful and wise thing to do.

It is OK to argue with atheists online as a Christian?

Not necessarily.

If someone truly wishes to speak about Christianity, there can be a beneficial exchange of ideas with some respect.

However, if it's an attempt to provoke you, it may not solve anything and you shouldn't keep going.

Does blocking someone go against the rules?

No.

Forgiveness is not a right that is unlimited.

When a person persists in harassing or abusing you, you can set a boundary using blocking.

When people attack Christianity, should I defend Christianity?

It should be the duty of every Christian to be able to share his beliefs, but Scripture reminds us that we must do so with "gentleness and respect and love.

What if I was already already angry?

Acknowledge it.

If necessary, apologize.

Then move away and get better from it!

A failure in one area should not be taken as a sign that your whole Christian life has failed.

Reflection

There are thousands of opportunities to speak on the internet.

Yet Christian growth doesn't depend on the number of arguments we get right.

It is seen in the extent to which we become like Christ.

The best answer is often an intelligent explanation.

It could be a simple reply.

There are moments when it's a prayer.

Sometimes it's as simple as killing the app and walking out.

There is no need to battle all the fights.

Do not respond to all insults.

You need not take the final say.

Jesus already does.

It is your duty to be faithful.

The words of your mouth should always be "graceful and salted.

Colossians 4:6

Before you react to the next angry comment, stop and take a breath.

Ask God for wisdom.

Next select the reply that is most like Jesus.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Teach me your righteousness in the midst of my transgressions. Help me to be slow to anger, quick to listen, and careful with my words. Do not let pride, hate or bitterness grow in my heart.

Give me courage to speak, when I need to speak. Give me strength when I must be silent. Teach me the forgiveness of those who hurt me and teach me discernment to set boundaries to keep me on track.

Let my words and actions online be a reflection of Jesus Christ.

In Jesus' name, Amen.