Reflecting on Civility: Can We Do Better?

The Generous Husband

This is not specifically a marriage post. But it is a marriage issue for many.

I’ve been aware of the ongoing breakdown of basic civility. This last election cycle certainly did a lot of damage, but we were well down the road before that. Some have suggested social media is to blame. I see plenty of support for that.

I should take a moment to confess my own wrong behaviour in this regard. I’m pretty restrained here, but I’ve been known to be rather feisty on Quora. I’ve had a bad habit of making negative assumptions about people’s intelligence, integrity, or decency, and telling them so. Of course, that’s contrary to how the Bible tells me to act. It’s also not an effective way to get folks to listen to your opinion.

I’d like to tell you I’ve only done this online, and with those who deserved it. Of course, I was the one deciding who deserved it, based on my biases. Even if I did avoid behaving this way in real life, it’s still wrong to do it online. And intellectually, I know we don’t divide our behaviour up nearly as well as we think.

I’ve allowed myself to be influenced by those who act this way. I have been both in and of the world. I’m making an effort to change because I want to be better, and I want to be a light encouraging others to do likewise.

As for marriage, I know how I have treated others has offended my wife on occasion. That alone is enough reason to stop.

If this looks at all like you, do some thinking and praying.

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