Nation of Rage

Have you ever heard the term "the framing effect?" If not, what it all boils down to is that people tend to rate the value of information they receive from others, by the way that it is presented, rather than by its actual content. So if someone communicates a message negatively with hatred and anger, they won't likely consider a word you say. They can't get past your hateful rage in order to look at the message objectively. Yet, this methodology of using anger in a vain effort to give our words power is being used quite often, especially in social media. However, people are not seeing how they are in reality having quite the opposite impact that they want in swaying the opinion of others. The illusion that they are producing positive results is very real in their eyes though. Since negativity can seem very positive to those who share the same feelings of anger over a given subject. It gives a voice to their anger, and people very much feel validated when their emotions are acknowledged. So anger often just becomes a rallying point, so people can gang up on the people with differing opinions that threaten us. So we don’t feel all alone in our opinion. In the end, anger is ultimately increased and intensified to dangerous and explosive proportions this way. Yet, the intended message or reasoning behind that anger just gets all the more lost and obscured, regardless how valid it may be.

Of course, when we believe we are right, we think it excuses us from having to listen. But, how are we supposed to convince anybody without anger, if we don't first seek to understand their point of view? Since they just might think that they don’t have to listen to you either. Someone has to step up and do the right thing first, if not the disciple, then who will? Of course, you have to have true understanding of your beliefs to talk about them reasonably. Then again, maybe this is why many are so prone to resorting to anger, it is all just a feeling for them.

So let me ask you this, what methods do you present your message of truth?

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. -James 1:19-20

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, -1 Peter 3:5

The Visual PARABLEist

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