Passive aggressiveness is defined by Wikipedia as “the indirect expression of hostility, such as through procrastination, stubbornness, sullen behavior, or deliberate or repeated failure to accomplish requested tasks for which one is (often explicitly) responsible.”
I would like to add to this definition “or posting on social media.” I truly have lost count of all of the passive aggressive posts I have seen. Some are passive, and some are not so passive.
You are being passive aggressive if someone can read your post and know exactly what or who you are talking about.
Please, I am begging you, stop being passive aggressive!
Oh, I will tell you. How I have longed to be passive aggressive! I have been wronged, and I want to scream it out to the Facebook world. Twitter, anyone? Instagram? Is anyone speaking my language? Then, I remember God and His word. In Proverbs 29:11, it says, “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man holds it in check.”
Paul even writes to the Corinthians about how he is afraid when he comes to them he will find that “there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.” (2 Corinthians 12:20) Does any of this sound familiar?
Before you post something about someone else, ask yourself these questions.
Have I talked to this person privately before posting to Facebook?
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” Matthew 18:15, ESV
Am I gossiping?
“A gossip betrays a confidence, so avoid anyone who talks too much.” Proverbs 20:19, NIV
Am I slandering this person?
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another.” James 4:11a, NIV
Has this person provoked me to anger?
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Ephesians 4:26, ESV
Am I wanting sympathy, affirmation or attention?
“A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.” Proverbs 21:2, NIV
Believe me! I know it is hard, but don’t do it. Talk to the person privately and do not sin by slandering or gossiping. This week, we talked about how to not post passive aggressive posts against someone else. Next week, I will be talking about what steps to take when someone wrongs you on social media!